US approves $20 billion in arms sales to Israel amid threat of wider Middle East war

WASHINGTON – The US approved $20 billion in arms sales to Israelincluding dozens of advanced fighter jets and air-to-air missiles, the State Department announced Tuesday.

Congress has been notified of the imminent sale, which includes more than 50 F-15 fighter jets, advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, or AMRAAMs, 120mm tank ammunition and high-explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles and comes at a time of intense concern that Israel may become involved in the broader Middle East war.

However, the weapons are not expected to reach Israel anytime soon, these are contracts that will take years to fulfill. Much of what is being sold is to help Israel increase its long-term military capabilities. The first systems to be delivered under the contract are not expected until 2026.

“The United States is committed to Israel’s security, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to help Israel develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with these objectives,” the State Department said in a statement about the sale.

The Biden administration has had to balance its continued support for Israel with a growing number of calls from U.S. lawmakers and the public to reduce military support in that country due to the high number of civilian deaths in Gaza. Restricted a 2,000-pound weapons delivery amid continued Israeli airstrikes on densely populated areas. civil areas in Gaza.

The contracts will not only cover the sale of 50 new aircraft to be produced by Boeing. It will also include upgrade kits for Israel to modify its existing fleet of two dozen F-15 fighters with new engines and radars, among other upgrades. The jets represent the majority of the US$20 billion in sales, with first deliveries expected in 2029.