Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to reporters with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) at the U.S. Capitol on July 24, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Anna Money Tree | Getty Images
The United States has approved arms sales worth $20 billion to it IsraelThose include dozens of fighter jets and advanced air-to-air missiles, the State Department announced on Tuesday.
Congress was informed of the impending sales, which include more than 50 F-15 fighter jets, advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM), 120mm tank ammunition, as well as high-explosive mortars and tactical vehicles, and come at a tense time. Concerns that Israel could become involved in the wider Middle East war.
However, the weapons are not expected to arrive in Israel anytime soon, as they are contracts that will take years to fulfill. Much of the sales are intended to help Israel enhance its long-term military capabilities.
“The United States is committed to Israel’s security, and assisting Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability is critical to U.S. national interests. This proposed sale is consistent with these objectives,” the State Department said in a release of the sale.
With the death toll among civilians in Gaza, the Biden administration is having to balance continued support for Israel with growing calls from lawmakers and the American public to limit military support for Israel. Israel has blocked the delivery of 2,000 pounds of weapons as it continues airstrikes in densely populated areas civilian area In Gaza.
