The United States has allocated a record of at least $17.9 billion in military aid to Israel since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, as reported by Brown University's Costs of War project. Additionally, an extra $4.86 billion has been directed towards increased U.S. military operations in the Middle East following the attacks that commenced on October 7, 2023.
The report highlights the significant financial burden incurred by the U.S. as it supports Israel in its conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, while also aiming to manage tensions with Iran-allied armed groups in the region. The human cost of these conflicts has been substantial, with over 1,200 individuals killed by Hamas militants in Israel and nearly 42,000 casualties in Gaza, according to the territory's Health Ministry.
Israel, a longstanding ally of the U.S., has received a total of $251.2 billion in inflation-adjusted military aid since 1959, with the $17.9 billion provided since October 7, 2023, marking the highest annual military assistance to Israel to date. The aid includes military financing, arms sales, stockpile drawdowns, and equipment transfers.
The U.S. military operations in the Middle East have been reinforced since the Gaza conflict erupted, with additional costs amounting to $4.86 billion. The deployment of forces in the region has fluctuated, with a peak of around 50,000 troops in August, including aircraft carriers and fighter squadrons.
Furthermore, the U.S. has been engaged in countering heightened attacks by the Houthis in Yemen, resulting in a complex and costly endeavor. The Navy has faced significant challenges in combating the Houthi strikes on merchant ships in the Red Sea, deploying multiple aircraft carriers and missiles against the low-cost Houthi drones.
Overall, the U.S. military expenditures in the region have been substantial, with additional combat pay and operational costs factored into the calculations. The Biden administration's support for Israel and efforts to stabilize the region amidst escalating conflicts underscore the complexities and costs associated with U.S. military involvement in the Middle East.
