World

US Approves $20 Billion Arms Deal For Israel As Middle East Tensions Rise

The U.S. has approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel, which includes a substantial shipment of fighter jets and advanced air-to-air missiles, as announced by the State Department on Tuesday. Congress has been informed about the forthcoming sale, which involves more than 50 F-15 fighter jets, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), 120 mm tank ammunition, high-explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles. This sale comes amidst concerns that Israel might become entangled in a broader conflict in the Middle East.

However, these weapons won’t reach Israel immediately, as the contracts will take years to fulfill. The majority of the equipment is intended to bolster Israel’s military capabilities over the long term. In a statement, the State Department emphasized, “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale aligns with those objectives.”

Also read: Key Facts Explained: Trump, Musk Interview And Presidential Election

The Biden administration faces the challenge of supporting Israel while responding to increasing calls from U.S. lawmakers and the public to limit military aid due to the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza. Notably, the administration has already delayed the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs amid Israel’s ongoing airstrikes in Gaza’s densely populated areas.

The contracts not only cover the sale of 50 new Boeing-produced aircraft but also include upgrade kits for Israel’s existing fleet of two dozen F-15 fighter jets, equipping them with new engines, radars, and other enhancements. The fighter jets constitute the largest portion of the $20 billion sale, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2029.

Kavya Bhatt

Recent Posts

Gautam Adani Hails Puri Lifeguards As Unsung Heroes During Rath Yatra Visit

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, visited Puri in Odisha during the annual Rath…

7 hours ago

Acharya Pramod Krishnam Slams Congress Over ‘Internal Emergency’ Allegation

Acharya Pramod Krishnam, stirred political debate by claiming an 'internal emergency' still exists within the…

7 hours ago

MRM Meeting: Pledge for Global Peace, Green India, De-addiction & Democratic Integrity

Taking a crucial step toward positive transformation, social reform, and global peace, the Muslim Rashtriya…

7 hours ago

India To Host 2029 World Police & Fire Games; Amit Shah Hails Global Recognition

India has been chosen to host the prestigious 2029 World Police and Fire Games in…

7 hours ago

Seeing The Lord Among Devotees Is The Pinnacle Of Humility: Gautam Adani At Rath Yatra

Gautam Adani, along with his wife and Karan, participated in the Rath Yatra in Puri,…

10 hours ago

PM Modi Interacts With Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard The ISS

PM Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the…

11 hours ago