The U.S. State Department has approved $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel. This package includes 50 fighter jets, air-to-air missiles, tank ammunition, and tactical vehicles, aimed at bolstering Israel’s military capabilities over the coming years.
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Despite the urgency suggested by recent regional escalations, these weapons, including scores of F-15 fighter jets and advanced missiles, won’t be delivered immediately. The earliest deliveries are slated for 2026, with the main batch of fighter jets expected to arrive by 2029. This timeline indicates that while the sale is crucial for long-term security strategies, it won’t alter the immediate balance of power or the current conflict dynamics.
This arms deal occurs as U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, intensify efforts to mediate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, where conflict has persisted for over ten months. The U.S. aims to prevent a broader regional conflict, amid escalating threats from Iran against Israel. However, the road to peace appears challenging, especially with Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, opting out of upcoming ceasefire talks in Qatar, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15.
The U.S. faces increasing scrutiny, both domestically and internationally, for its substantial military support to Israel amid the high civilian casualties in Gaza. This support includes not only the newly approved arms but also previous supplies of thousands of bombs and missiles since the conflict’s onset last October.
