WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday accepted the doable sale to Israel of fighter jets and different navy gear value over $20 billion, the Pentagon stated.
In an announcement, the Pentagon stated Blinken accepted the doable sale of F-15 jets and gear value practically $19 billion. He additionally accepted the doable sale of tank cartridges value round $774 million and military automobiles value $583 million, the Pentagon stated.
The tank rounds can be nearly instantly accessible for supply. The Boeing Co F-15 fighter jets would take years to supply and ship.
The U.S. has staunchly supported Israel as its high Center East ally prosecutes a battle within the Gaza Strip that has devastated the Palestinian enclave. The battle was set off by the militant group Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault in southern Israel.
Whereas approving weapons to Israel, Washington has additionally tried to rearrange a ceasefire deal in Gaza that will probably stave off a wider Center East battle.
Fears of a broader battle have elevated because the latest killings of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah navy commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Each drew threats of retaliation in opposition to Israel.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Mike Stone in Washington; enhancing by Rami Ayyub)
