US clears $20bn in arms sales for Israel as atrocities continue in Gaza

15th,Auguest 2024  By America-Today

More weapons transfers approved as Israel bombs Gaza and prepares for anticipated retaliatory strikes by Iran and Hezbollah.

The United States has approved another $20bn in weapons transfers to Israel, despite concerns that Israeli forces are routinely violating international law in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the arms sale, which includes fighter jets and missiles, the US Department of State announced on Tuesday.

“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 State Department said.

The order includes Boeing-made F-15 fighter jets, Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, or AMRAAMs, 120mm tank ammunition and high explosive mortars and tactical vehicles.

Some of the weapons, including the more than 50 fighter jets, could take years to deliver. Other equipment, such as 33,000 tank shells and 50,000 explosive mortar cartridges, could arrive soon.

The US said that the tank shells “will improve Israel’s capability to meet current and future enemy threats, strengthen its homeland defence and serve as a deterrent to regional threats”.

The announcement came as Israel expects retaliation from Iran and Lebanon-based Hezbollah following the assassinations of high-level Hamas and Hezbollah officials, which have raised concerns over the possibility of a regional war.