Blinken approves $20 billion Israel weapons sale

Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved about $20 billion in possible weapons sales to Israel, the State Department announced Tuesday.

The proposed sale includes up to 50 F-15 fighter jets as well as 30 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles,120 mm tank cartridges, high explosive mortar cartridges and medium tactical vehicles, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The agency notified Congress of the potential sales Tuesday.

The possible sales also include modification kits to Israel’s existing fleet of 25 F-15 fighter jets. The new fighter jet sales and their related equipment make up $18.82 billion of the proposed sales to Israel. 

“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives,” the press release said.

“The proposed sale will improve Israel’s capability to meet current and future enemy threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” the release continued.

The press release said that the proposed sales “will not alter the basic military balance in the region.” The Associated Press noted that these weapons will not make their way to Israel anytime soon, adding that the contracts will likely take years to fulfill.

The proposed sales come as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise amid Israel’s war against the militant group Hamas in Gaza. The U.S. and its partners are trying to limit escalation in the region after Iran blamed Israel for the apparent assassination of top Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.