US Approves $20 Billion In Arms Sales To Israel As Middle East Tensions Escalate

The U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday that it has approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel, which includes numerous fighter jets and advanced air-to-air missiles. This notification to Congress includes over 50 F-15 fighter jets, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), 120 mm tank ammunition, high explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles.

The sale comes amid concerns that Israel might become involved in a broader Middle East conflict.

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However, the weapons are expected to take several years to deliver, as the contracts are designed to enhance Israel’s military capabilities over the long term.

“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 release on the sale.

The Biden administration has been trying to balance its ongoing support for Israel with increasing pressure from lawmakers and the U.S. public to limit military aid, due to the high civilian casualties in Gaza. In response, it has postponed the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs amid Israel’s ongoing airstrikes in densely populated civilian areas in Gaza.

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