In a significant move that underscores the United States’ ongoing support for Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken approves $20 billion Israel weapons sale. This massive arms package, announced on August 14, 2024, includes F-15 fighter jets and various military equipment, further cementing the US-Israel alliance amidst the prolonged conflict in Gaza. The deal comes at a time of heightened international scrutiny and criticism of both Israel’s military actions and the US’s continued support.

The Scope of the Arms Deal

The approved weapons package is comprehensive, totaling nearly $20 billion in value. The bulk of this amount, approximately $19 billion, is allocated for F-15 fighter jets. Additionally, the deal includes $774 million in tank cartridges, over $60 million in explosive mortar cartridges, and $583 million in army vehicles. This diverse array of military hardware significantly bolsters Israel’s defense capabilities across multiple fronts.

The Pentagon has emphasized the strategic importance of this sale, stating that it is crucial for the United States to support Israel in maintaining a strong defense capability. This aligns with longstanding US policy in the region and what the Pentagon describes as US national interests. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant expressed gratitude for the US support, highlighting the sale’s role in maintaining Israel’s military advantage in the region and reaffirming the strong security ties between the two nations.

Timeline and Delivery Expectations

While the approval of the weapons sale is immediate, the actual delivery of the equipment is set on a longer timeline. The Pentagon has indicated that deliveries of the military equipment are expected to begin by 2026. However, the F-15 jets, which form the cornerstone of this deal, won’t be delivered until 2029 due to the extensive production time required for these advanced aircraft.

Despite these official timelines, some experts speculate that certain deliveries could occur earlier than projected. This possibility raises questions about the immediate impact of this arms deal on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader regional dynamics.

Context of Ongoing Conflict and International Reactions

The approval of this massive weapons sale occurs against the backdrop of Israel’s 10-month-long war in Gaza, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. Since the conflict began in October 2023, triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel, the US has already provided Israel with more than 10,000 bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles.

The war has led to nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread displacement of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, and a growing hunger crisis. These dire humanitarian consequences have intensified international criticism of Israel’s military actions and the US’s continued support.

Israel currently faces genocide accusations at the World Court, which it vehemently denies. The ongoing conflict and these legal challenges have put increasing pressure on the US, both domestically and internationally, to reconsider its military support for Israel.

Efforts at diplomacy, including President Joe Biden’s proposal of a three-phase Gaza ceasefire plan on May 31, 2024, have thus far been unsuccessful in halting the violence. The approval of this new weapons package may further complicate these diplomatic efforts and potentially escalate tensions in the region.

The fact that Blinken approves $20 billion Israel weapons sale marks a significant milestone in US-Israel relations and Middle East politics. While reaffirming the US commitment to Israel’s security, this massive arms deal also raises critical questions about the role of weapons sales in prolonged conflicts and their impact on regional stability. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, the international community closely watches how this substantial influx of military hardware will affect the balance of power and the prospects for peace in this volatile region.