US approves $20 billion weapons sale to Israel

The United States, on Tuesday, approved the sale of $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel, although the Pentagon said deliveries would not begin for years.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the sale of F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly $19 billion along with tank cartridges, explosive mortar cartridges, and army vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement.

The Boeing F-15 fighter jets deliveries are 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 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-defence 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.

The US, Israel's biggest ally and weapons supplier, has sent 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, US officials told Reuters in June.