US greenlights $20 billion arms sale to Israel

The U.S. has approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel, the State Department announced Tuesday. As reported by AP, the package includes over 50 F-15 fighter jets, Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), 120 mm tank ammunition, high-explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles.

Congress has been informed of the sale, which is timed amid concerns about a potential escalation in the Middle East. However, the delivery of these systems will span several years, with the earliest expected arrivals in 2026. This sale aims to bolster Israel’s long-term military capabilities.

“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and assisting in maintaining a strong self-defense capability aligns with our national interests,” the State Department stated.

The Biden administration faces pressure to reassess its military support for Israel due to rising calls from lawmakers and the public to address the high civilian casualties in Gaza. The U.S. has already suspended one delivery of 2,000-pound bombs in response to ongoing Israeli airstrikes in densely populated areas.

[Information sourced from AP]