White House approves $20 billion weapons package for Israel amid Iran war threat

The White House has approved $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment for Israel as the ongoing war with Gaza ceases to end with Iran threatening another conflict.

According to the Pentagon, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the sale of more than 50 F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly $19 billion including $774 million in tank cartridges, $60 million in explosive mortar cartridges and army vehicles worth $583 million. However, the deliveries of the said equipment would not begin for years.

“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to USnational interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defence capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives,” the State Department said in a release on the sale.

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Notably, the contracts for the f-15 jets will not only include the sale but also upgrade kits for Israel to modify its existing fleet of fighter jets. The first deliveries are expected in 2029.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant thanked the White House officials for the announcement and vowed to remain committed to the US-Israeli relationship.

Since the start of the war, the US has sent Israel more than 10,000 highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles - making it the biggest ally weapons supplier.

Watch |West Asia Tensions: Israel, US expect Iranian attack within days | WION Speed News

US mobilised warships, submarines and fighter jets

The US in recent weeks has announced plans to deploy navy warships, guided missile submarines and fighter jets in the Middle East to protect Israel from the triple whammy of Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.

According to the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Llyod Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart earlier this week and also told the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area.

Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

Meanwhile, Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme LeaderAyatollah Ali Khamenei said avengingHaniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.

“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"Khamenei said.

“We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)