WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Aug thirteen authorized the feasible sale to Israel of fighter jets and different army gadget really well worth over US$20 billion (S$26. four billion), the Pentagon stated .
In a statement, the Pentagon stated Blinken authorized the feasible sale of F-15 jets and gadget really well worth almost US$19 billion. He additionally authorized the feasible sale of tank cartridges really well worth round US$774 million and navy automobiles really well worth US$583 million, the Pentagon stated .
US Authorizes A $26 Billion Arms Deal With Israel That Includes Fighter Jets
The tank rounds could be nearly right away to be had for shipping .
The Boeing Co F-15 fighter jets have been anticipated to take years to produce, and deliveries have been anticipated to start in 2029. Other gadget could start shipping in 2026, in line with the Pentagon.
An professional at the manner stated a few deliveries may be even in advance than 2026.
The US has staunchly supported Israel as its pinnacle Middle East best friend prosecutes a battle withinside the Gaza Strip that has devastated the Palestinian enclave. The battle became activate via way of means of the militant organization Hamas’ Oct 7 assault in southern Israel.
Israel’s next attack at the Hamas- ruled enclave has killed almost 40,000 Palestinians, in line with the nearby fitness ministry. It has additionally displaced almost the complete populace of 2. three million, induced a starvation disaster and caused genocide allegations on the World Court that Israel denies.
“The United States is dedicated to the safety of Israel, and it’s miles important to US country wide hobbies to help Israel to expand and preserve a robust and geared up self-defence capability,” the Pentagon stated .
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a put up on X, thanked US officers for supporting Israel preserve “its qualitative army facet withinside the region” and the United States dedication to Israel’s security.
The US, Israel’s largest best friend and guns supplier, has despatched Israel greater than 10,000 fairly damaging 2,000-pound bombs and lots of Hellfire missiles for the reason that begin of the Gaza battle in October, US officers instructed Reuters in June.
While approving guns to Israel, Washington has additionally attempted to set up a ceasefire deal in Gaza that might doubtlessly stave off a much broader Middle East battle .
President Joe Biden laid out a three- segment Gaza ceasefire notion on May 31. But efforts have thus far been unsuccessful in bringing it to fruition.
Washington has confronted mounting home and global grievance for its army aid for Israel.
Fears of a broader battle have improved for the reason that latest killings of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah army commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Both drew threats of retaliation in opposition to Israel.