WASHINGTON − On Tuesday, the State Department authorized the sale of various military equipment to Israel, including numerous fighter jets, totaling over $20 billion.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken sanctioned the potential sale of F-15 aircraft and related equipment, which is estimated at nearly $19 billion. Additionally, the package consists of tank shells valued at about $774 million and combat vehicles priced at $583 million.

The tank shells are expected to be available for delivery in the near future, while the Boeing F-15 jets will take several years to manufacture and supply.

The U.S. has consistently backed Israel, its primary ally in the Middle East, amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has severely affected the Palestinian territories. This conflict was ignited by a Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7.

The State Department’s political-military affairs bureau has approved the following arms sales:

• Up to 50 F-15IA and F-15I+ aircraft and supporting equipment valued at approximately $18.82 billion.
• Up to 30 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) estimated at $102.5 million.
• Nearly 33,000 120mm tank rounds worth $774.1 million.
• Up to 50,000 high explosive mortar rounds costing $61.1 million.
• Medium Tactical Vehicles totaling $583.1 million.

While facilitating arms sales to Israel, the Biden administration has also been pursuing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza to help prevent an escalation of conflict in the region.

Concerns over a wider conflict have risen, particularly following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, both of which elicited threats of retaliation against Israel.