U.S. State Department Approves Sale of Advanced F-15 Fighter Jets to Israel

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed a potential sale of approximately $20 billion worth of F-15 fighter jets and other American military equipment to Israel. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, a potential sale of tank ammunition valued at around $774 million and military vehicles worth $583 million has also been approved for Israel. The production and delivery of Boeing's F-15 fighter jets will take several years, but the tank ammunition will be ready for immediate delivery if the sale contract is finalized. This news comes as the Islamic Republic has once again threatened Israel with an attack in retaliation for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian group Hamas, in Tehran. The United States has firmly supported Israel, its main ally in the Middle East, during the conflict in Gaza. In addition to approving arms sales to Israel, Washington has also attempted to arrange a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that could potentially prevent a broader war in the Middle East. Since the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on July 31, and Fawad Shukr, a senior military commander of Hezbollah in Beirut, concerns about the outbreak of a large-scale war in the region have increased. The Washington Post reported that the Islamic Republic is worried about the 'neutralization' of its nuclear program in the event of a major attack on Israel. The Israeli Defense Minister warned Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic of an 'unprecedented response' from his country. CNN, citing an 'Israeli source,' reported that Sinwar is calling for a ceasefire. Israeli fighter jets attacked several Hezbollah buildings in southern Lebanon.