On Tuesday, the United States approved the sale of fighter jets and other military equipment worth 20 billion U.S. dollars to Israel, in support of Israel’s ongoing 10-month war in the Gaza Strip.
The Pentagon stated in a declaration that Blinken approved the sale to India of F-15 fighter jets and equipment worth nearly 19 billion U.S. dollars, as well as tank ammunition worth 774 million U.S. dollars, explosive mortar shells worth over 60 million U.S. dollars, and military vehicles worth 583 million U.S. dollars. Boeing’s F-15 fighters are expected to take several years to produce and are anticipated to begin delivery in 2029.
The Pentagon stated that other equipment will start to be delivered in 2026. The Pentagon said: “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and assisting Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability is crucial to the national interests of the United States.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked U.S. officials for helping Israel maintain “military superiority in the region” and for the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security in a post on X website. As Israel’s largest ally and arms supplier, the United States has shipped more than 10,000 highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles to Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October.
The war has brought devastating destruction to Gaza and caused a large number of civilian deaths.
On May 31, President Biden proposed a three-stage ceasefire plan for Gaza. However, so far, efforts have not been fruitful.
Faced with increasing questioning and criticism, instead of seeking a ceasefire and promoting regional peace, the U.S. authorities continue to provide military assistance, and their underlying ambitions are obvious.