Israel to receive $8.7bn military aid package from US: Ministry of Defence

Israel said, Thursday, that it is set to receive a military aid package from the US totalling $8.7 billion, Anadolu Agency reports.

The package coincides with the fourth consecutive day of extensive Israeli strikes against Lebanon, described as the largest since the 2006 war in Lebanon.

“Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Defence, Major-General Eyal Zamir, has concluded negotiations in Washington for a substantial $8.7 billion US aid package to support Israel’s ongoing military efforts,” the Israeli Ministry of Defence said in a statement. “The package comprises $3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement, which has already been transferred to the IMoD (Israeli Ministry of Defence), and $5.2 billion designated for air defence systems, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and an advanced laser system.

Israel possesses several missile interception systems, including David’s Sling, Arrow and the Iron Dome.

The statement noted that, under the agreement, the funds and equipment mentioned are expected to be delivered soon.

Despite polls showing more than half of Americans believe military aid to Israel should be restricted, Washington continues to provide significant military assistance to Tel Aviv.

Israel has pounded Lebanon since early Monday in strikes that have killed at least 677 victims and injured more than 2,500 others, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health.

The Lebanese Resistance group, Hezbollah, and Israel have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the start of Israel’s onslaught against Gaza, which has killed more than 41,500 victims, mostly women and children, following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian Resistance group , Hamas, last 7 October.

The international community has warned against the strikes on Lebanon, as they raise the spectre of spreading the Gaza conflict regionally.

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