It is on record that United States has supplied Israel more than 10,000 highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.
The war has devastated Gaza and resulted in a heavy civilian
death toll. Since October 07 Israeli assaults on the Hamas-governed enclave
have killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly the entire
population of 2.3 million, reduced buildings to rebels and caused a hunger
crisis.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
approved the sale of F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly US$19 billion along
with tank cartridges valued at US$774 million, explosive mortar cartridges
valued at over US$60 million and army vehicles worth US$583 million. The
Boeing, F-15 fighter jets were expected to take years to produce, and
deliveries were expected to begin in 2029. Other equipment would begin delivery
in 2026. An expert on the process said some deliveries could be even earlier
than 2026.
"The United States is committed to the security of
Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop
and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability," the Pentagon
said.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in a post on X, thanked
US officials for helping Israel maintain "its qualitative military edge in
the region" and the US commitment to Israel's security.
