Israel announced on Thursday that the United States government is disbursing an additional $8.7 billion in military aid to support Israel's ongoing military efforts. This aid, approved by Congress earlier in the year, will be allocated towards critical acquisitions, with nearly half of it designated for immediate needs.
The aid package includes a $5.2 billion grant aimed at enhancing Israel's air defense systems. This funding will be utilized to strengthen the Iron Dome and David's Sling missile interceptors, as well as to support the development of an advanced high-powered laser defense system currently in its final stages of development.
These defense systems have played a crucial role in Israel's recent defense against escalating rocket attacks from Hezbollah. Just this week, David's Sling intercepted a surface-to-surface missile fired from Lebanon over the Tel Aviv area.
The Pentagon has been contacted for further information on this matter.
This announcement comes amidst calls from the US, France, and other allies for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border. The proposed ceasefire aims to de-escalate tensions and allow residents on both sides of the border to return to their homes.
Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of US foreign aid since its establishment, with a significant portion of this aid being in the form of military assistance. However, the allocation of aid to Israel has been a topic of debate in the US, with some pro-Palestinian activists and lawmakers advocating for conditions to ensure compliance with humanitarian law and US policy objectives.
