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| US Enhances Strategic Ties with Israel through Mega Military Aid |
Earlier this year, Israel announced the signing of a significant $8.7 billion defense package with its long-time ally, the United States. This agreement aims to bolster Israel's military capabilities and support ongoing operations.
On Thursday, Israel confirmed the specifics of how this aid will be utilized to enhance military efforts. The package was part of a broader national security supplemental measure approved by President Biden in April, which allocates a total of $26.38 billion to address Israel's defense needs, including $5.2 billion designated for air defense and $3.5 billion for wartime operations.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense stated, “These improvements are intended to preserve Israel’s qualitative superiority in the Middle East and assist with current combat operations.”
The late-stage negotiations were led by Amanda Dory, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, and William LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. In a Pentagon statement, Dory emphasized the importance of diplomatic strategies for sustainable security while reiterating the Biden administration's commitment to Israel's safety.
The statement further noted discussions on the situation in the Middle East, focusing on Operation Nowhere against Hamas and Hezbollah, the urgent release of all hostages in Gaza, and measures to protect innocent civilians in conflict zones.
This agreement comes as Israel has been actively engaged in combat on two fronts for nearly a year: against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah along its northern border with Lebanon.