US releases $3.5 billion to Israel to spend on US weapon

The State Department announced on Friday that it will provide Israel with $3.5 billion for U.S. weapons and military equipment, following Congress’s appropriation of the funds during Israel's conflict in Gaza. The department informed Congress on Thursday of its intention to release this foreign military financing, which comes from a $14 billion supplemental funding package approved by Congress in April.

Rising tensions in the Middle East have heightened fears of an expanded conflict. The war in Gaza, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis, has been further complicated by recent high-profile killings of leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah.

The recent escalation began on October 7, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 hostages. In response, Israel's military actions in Gaza have reportedly led to nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths and displaced almost the entire population of 2.3 million, leading to a dire hunger crisis and accusations of genocide that Israel denies.