International
US approves $26b Israel weapons package, including fighter jets
WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Aug 13 approved the possible sale to Israel of fighter jets and other military equipment worth over US$20 billion (S$26.4 billion), the Pentagon said. In a statement, the Pentagon said Blinken app
In a statement, the Pentagon said Blinken approved the possible sale of F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly US$19 billion. He also approved the possible sale of tank cartridges worth around US$774 million and army vehicles worth US$583 million, the Pentagon said.
The tank rounds would be almost immediately available for delivery.
The Boeing Co 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, according to the Pentagon.
An expert on the process said some deliveries could be even earlier than 2026.
The US has staunchly supported Israel as its top Middle East ally prosecutes a war in the Gaza Strip that has devastated the Palestinian enclave. The war was set off by the militant group Hamas' Oct 7 attack in southern Israel.
