The United States has approved more than $20 billion in arms sales to Israel, in a deal that reportedly includes F-15 fighter jets and close to 33,000 tank cartridges.
US media on Tuesday reported that the deal was approved by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The Associated Press reported that Congress was notified about the sale before the public announcement from the U.S. Department of State.
The weapons sale is said to include over 50 F-15 fighter jets, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), 120 mm tank ammunition and high explosive mortars, and military vehicles.
“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,” the State Department said in a press statement.
“This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.”
The weapons are, however, not expected to get to Israel anytime soon as the agreements are expected to take several years to fulfill, with first deliveries expected in 2029, according to AP.
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The contracts will include upgrade kits to enhance Israel’s fleet of 24 F-15 fighter jets with new engines, radars, and other improvements, making up the largest part of the $20 billion deal.
Israel has one of the world’s most advanced armies, matching NATO standards and equipped with U.S.-made weaponry, including F-35 fighter jets, top-of the-range air defences and other hardware.
The US has maintained its support for Israel, even as pressure mounts from the public to reassess military aid in light of rising civilian casualties in Gaza.
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