US approves $20bn weapons sale to Israel

The United States approved on Tuesday the sale of $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel even as the occupation state prosecutes a 10-month-old war described as genocide in the Gaza Strip, Reuters has reported. The Department of Defence in the Pentagon, however, has said that deliveries would not begin for years.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the sale of F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly $19bn along with tank cartridges valued at $774 million, explosive mortar cartridges valued at over $60m and army vehicles worth $583m, explained the Pentagon.

The Boeing F-15 fighter jets are expected to take years to produce, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2029. Other equipment will begin delivery in 2026. An expert on the process said some deliveries could be even earlier than 2026.

“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defence capability,” said the Pentagon.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a post on X, thanked US officials for helping Israel maintain “its qualitative military edge in the region” and the US commitment to Israel’s security.

The US, Israel’s main ally and weapons supplier, has sent the occupation state more than 10,000 highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles since the start of the Gaza war in October, American officials told Reuters in June.

The war has devastated Gaza and resulted in a heavy civilian death toll, with around 40,000 Palestinians killed and 90,000 more wounded. Hoping to avert a wider Middle East war, Washington has sought with other regional mediators to arrange a ceasefire. President Joe Biden laid out a three-phase Gaza ceasefire proposal on 31 May, but efforts have so far been unsuccessful in bringing it to fruition.

Israel’s military offensive against the Palestinians in Gaza has displaced almost the whole population of 2.3 million, caused famine conditions and led to allegations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which Israel denies.

Washington has faced mounting domestic and international criticism for its military, political and diplomatic support for Israel.

READ: UN: 274 people killed in attacks on 21 schools in Gaza