US approves $20 billion Israel weapons package, including fighter jets

On Tuesday, the United States approved a $20 billion sale of fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel amid its ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. However, the Pentagon noted that the delivery of these items would not begin for several years.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken greenlit the sale, which includes nearly $19 billion worth of F-15 jets and additional equipment, such as tank cartridges valued at $774 million, explosive mortar cartridges worth over $60 million, and army vehicles totaling $583 million. The F-15 jets, manufactured by Boeing Co., are expected to take years to produce, with deliveries starting in 2029. Other equipment is anticipated to start being delivered in 2026, though some deliveries might occur earlier, according to experts.

"The United States is committed to Israel's security, which is crucial to our national interests. Assisting Israel in developing and maintaining a robust self-defense capability is essential," the Pentagon said.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed gratitude on X for the U.S. support, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Israel's "qualitative military edge" in the region.

The U.S., Israel's primary ally and weapons supplier, has sent Israel over 10,000 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles since the Gaza conflict began in October, as reported by U.S. officials in June.

The ongoing war has caused severe devastation in Gaza and resulted in significant civilian casualties. Efforts by Washington and other regional mediators to broker a ceasefire have yet to succeed. President Joe Biden proposed a three-phase ceasefire plan on May 31, but it has not been implemented.

The recent escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on October 7 when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages. In response, Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip has led to nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths, displaced almost the entire population of 2.3 million, triggered a hunger crisis, and resulted in genocide allegations at the World Court, which Israel denies.