US Greenlights $20 Billion Arms Package for Israel as Tensions in the Middle East Escalate

In a significant move, the U.S. has authorized $20 billion in arms sales to Israel, as announced by the State Department on Tuesday. This package includes over 50 fighter jets and advanced air-to-air missiles.

The sale notification to Congress outlines a comprehensive range of military equipment, encompassing not only fighter jets but also 120 mm tank ammunition, high-explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles. This announcement comes amidst rising tensions suggesting that Israel could become involved in a broader conflict in the Middle East.

Despite the scale of the sale, the delivery timeline is extended, with fulfillment projected to take years. The initial systems are anticipated to arrive around 2026, indicating a long-term enhancement of Israel’s military capabilities.

The State Department emphasized the strategic importance of this sale: “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.”

This decision occurs in a politically charged environment, where the Biden administration faces mounting pressure from lawmakers and the public to reconsider military support to Israel. Concerns have escalated due to the civilian casualties in Gaza, leading the administration to suspend the delivery of certain weapons, including 2,000-pound bombs, in reaction to ongoing Israeli airstrikes.

The contracts not only encompass the procurement of new Boeing-made F-15 aircraft but also upgrade kits for modifying Israel’s existing fleet of fighter jets. The expected first deliveries of these upgrades will not occur until 2029, highlighting the lengthy process involved in transitioning these military capabilities.