US Approves Nearly $20 Billion Weapons Sale to Israel

The approval follows the U.S. deployment of multiple vessels to the Middle East to support Israel amid ongoing conflicts.

The United States is moving ahead with the sale of almost $20 billion in arms to Israel, including fighter jets and missile launchers, which is expected to boost the Jewish state’s military capabilities. The Secretary of State approved the sale and Congress has been notified about the deal, according to an Aug. 13 press release by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2029, with the total cost estimated at $18.82 billion. The deal includes the purchase of up to 50 new F-15IA multi-role fighter aircraft as well as Mid-Life Update modification kits for 25 existing F-15I multi-role fighter aircraft. “Incorporating F-15IAs into the Israel Air Force’s fleet of fighter aircraft will enhance Israel’s interoperability with U.S. systems and bolster Israel’s aerial capabilities to meet current and future enemy threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats.” Read More