United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently announced that the White House has approved a new $20 billion arms sales to Israel.
According to the announcement by the Department of Defense on Aug. 13, the arms sales include new F-15 fighter jets and upgrade kits for the Israeli Air Force’s existing fleet of F-15s, covering new engines, radar systems and other enhancements. Also included in the deal are other aircraft and advanced air-to-air missiles, with the goal of bolstering Israel’s long-term defense capabilities.
The substantial arms sales encompass five major transactions. The largest of these is for 50 F-15 fighter jets and associated equipment, valued at $18.8 billion. Additionally, Israel will acquire $102.5 million in Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), approximately 33,000 120mm tank cartridges worth $774 million, 50,000 high-explosive 120mm mortar rounds valued at $61.1 million and $583.1 million worth of medium tactical vehicles.
Specific details of funding for the arms sales remain unclear, but it is known that U.S. military aid will cover a significant portion of it.
Tank rounds could be ready for immediate shipment, but the delivery of the F-15 jets and other armaments will take years. According to the State Department, the gradual delivery is designed to enhance Israel’s defense capabilities over an extended period. (Related: POLL: Majority of Americans are against deploying U.S. troops to defend Israel.)
“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 proposed sale is consistent with those objectives,” the State Department said in a statement.
Biden administration approves another $3.5 billion in military assistance to Israel
This follows a recent announcement from the State Department regarding the release of $3.5 billion in military assistance to Israel through the Foreign Military Financing program, which enables foreign governments to purchase U.S. weapons.
According to several reports, the State Department notified lawmakers on Aug. 8 that the administration of President Joe Biden is set to release the $3.5 billion worth of foreign military assistance to Israel. Sources confirmed that this assistance would come from the $14.1 billion supplemental funding bill for Israel passed by Congress in April.
The allocation is designed to enable Israel to purchase advanced weapons systems and other military equipment from the U.S. through the Foreign Military Financing program. The money will allow Israel to procure systems currently being built, with deliveries expected over the next several years. Additionally, the supplemental funding includes provisions for billions of dollars worth of equipment that the Pentagon can draw from its stockpiles for quicker delivery to Israel.
Although the funds won’t immediately translate into $3.5 billion worth of U.S.-made weapons, the State Department claimed that this marks a significant step in strengthening Israel’s defense capabilities.
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