Israel’s defense ministry announced on Thursday that it had obtained a $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to help the country’s ongoing military initiatives, which include strengthening air defense systems.
The statement came as Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, accusing Washington of arming Israel with “deadly weapons that it used to kill thousands of innocent civilians, children, and women”.
The aid package comes while Israel is fighting on two fronts: Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah forces over the border in Lebanon.
“The package includes $3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement … and $5.2 billion designated for air defence systems, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and an advanced laser system,” the ministry said in a statement.
The deal was concluded after a series of high-level meetings between Israeli and US officials in Washington, the ministry said.
Some $3.5 billion had already been received “for critical acquisitions”, it said.
The additional $5.2 billion is intended to upgrade Israel’s air defence systems, it said.
“This substantial investment will significantly strengthen critical systems such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling while supporting the continued development of an advanced high-powered laser defence system currently in its later stages of development,” the ministry added.
This week, Israel launched hundreds of air attacks against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, killing hundreds and displacing thousands, according to Lebanese authorities. Israeli forces have also been fighting Hamas militants in Gaza since the Palestinian organization assaulted Israel on October 7.
According to an AFP assessment based on Israeli official estimates, that strike killed 1,205 Israelis, the majority of whom were civilians. Hostages died in captivity are also included. Militants also took 251 captives, 97 of whom are still being held in Gaza, including 33 who the Israeli military claims are dead.
According to numbers released by the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza, Israel’s retaliatory military assault has killed at least 41,534 individuals, the majority of whom are women and children. The United Nations recognizes the numbers as credible.
Written by Chetachi Enyoghasi
