The United States has agreed to sell lots of military stuff to Israel, including fighter planes and tanks. This deal is worth over $20 billion.
The U.S. government said yes to selling:
- F-15 fighter jets for almost $19 billion.
- Tank shells for about $774 million.
- Combat vehicles for $583 million.
The tank shells can be sent to Israel right away, but the fighter jets will take a long time to make and deliver.
The U.S. is doing this because it supports Israel a lot, especially since Israel has been fighting a war in Gaza. This war started when a group called Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th.
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The sales approved by the State Department’s bureau of political-military affairs include:
- As many as 50 F-15IA and F-15I+ aircraft and related equipment worth up to $18.82 billion.
- Up to 30 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) worth $102.5 million.
- Nearly 33,000 120mm tank cartridges at $774.1 million.
- Up to 50,000 high explosive mortar cartridges at $61.1 million.
- Medium Tactical Vehicles worth $583.1 million.
While approving weapons to Israel, the Biden administration has tried to arrange a ceasefire deal in Gaza that would potentially stave off a wider Middle East war.
Fears of a broader war have increased since the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Both drew threats of retaliation against Israel.
