On Thursday, Israel announced that it has secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States aimed at bolstering its military operations and preserving its qualitative military superiority in the region. This package comprises $3.5 billion allocated for urgent wartime procurement, which has already been received and designated for vital military acquisitions, along with $5.2 billion intended for air defense systems, including the Iron Dome anti-missile system, David’s Sling, and an advanced laser defense system.
Israel is currently engaged in conflicts on two fronts: one against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza and the other against the Iran-supported Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. The announcement of this aid followed discussions at the Pentagon involving Eyal Zamir, the director general of Israel’s defense ministry, and U.S. defense officials, including Amanda Dory, the acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, as stated by Israel’s Defense Ministry.
This major investment will greatly enhance essential systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling, while also facilitating the ongoing advancement of a sophisticated high-powered laser defense system that is nearing completion, according to the statement.
The ministry emphasized that this agreement highlights the “robust and lasting strategic alliance between Israel and the United States, as well as the unwavering commitment to Israel’s security,” especially in countering regional security challenges posed by Iran and its allied militias.
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