US And Israel Implement $5.2 Billion Emergency Aid Package For Air Defense

Israeli and US officials have commenced the rollout of a $5.2 billion emergency aid package aimed at strengthening Israel’s air defense capabilities. The two sides completed an exchange of letters to officially initiate the package, which will enhance Israel’s Iron Dome anti-rocket system, David’s Sling missile defense system, and the Iron Beam laser defense system, according to a statement from the Israeli ministry.

This aid package is part of a larger $8.7 billion support agreement that Israel announced in late September, with $3.5 billion already transferred for urgent wartime procurement.

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Since the onset of the conflict with Hamas on October 7, 2022, the United States has provided significant military support to Israel, including hundreds of cargo planes and ships loaded with weapons and ammunition, according to Israeli sources reported by Xinhua news agency.

However, the US military aid has faced substantial criticism amid escalating casualties in the Gaza Strip. Recent data from health authorities in Gaza indicate that the Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks has surpassed 42,600.