US Approves $20B in Weaponry to Israel – Iran: Only Ceasefire Deal Will Stop Attack

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a significant move that highlights the enduring strategic partnership between the United States and Israel, the U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday the approval of a massive $20 billion arms sale to Israel, as was reported by the Associated Press. This deal includes a substantial package of military hardware, ranging from advanced fighter jets to cutting-edge missiles, all intended to bolster Israel’s long-term defense capabilities. The timing of this announcement comes amidst growing concerns over the potential for Israel to become embroiled in a broader Middle Eastern conflict due to Iran’s threat of an imminent and massive attack.

The centerpiece of this arms sale is the provision of over 50 F-15 fighter jets for $18.82 million which represent a significant enhancement to Israel’s air force. These jets, known for their versatility and combat prowess, are a critical component of Israel’s air superiority strategy. According to the information provided in the AP report, the sale also includes 30 advanced medium-range air-to-air (AMRAAM) missiles for $102.5 million, 32,739 120mm tank rounds for $774.1 million and 50,000 120mm mortar rounds for $61.1 million. All of the aforementioned weaponry and military hardware is designed to improve Israel’s overall military readiness.

However, despite the approval, these weapons are not expected to arrive in Israel anytime soon. The contracts associated with this sale will take years to fulfill, with the first deliveries of the F-15 fighter jets anticipated in 2029, as was indicated in the AP report. This timeline reflects the long-term strategic nature of the sale, emphasizing the U.S.’s commitment to ensuring Israel’s future defense capabilities rather than providing immediate military support.

In addition to the new aircraft, the sale includes upgrade kits for Israel’s existing fleet of two dozen F-15 fighter jets. The report in the AP revealed that these kits will allow Israel to retrofit its older jets with new engines, advanced radars, and other modern enhancements, ensuring that these aircraft remain effective in future conflicts. The upgrade of the existing fleet is seen as a crucial component of the deal, enabling Israel to maintain its technological edge in a rapidly changing military landscape.

The State Department emphasized that this sale is in line with U.S. national interests, particularly in maintaining Israel’s ability to defend itself independently. “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives,” the State Department stated in its release, according to the AP report.

This statement reflects the deep-seated strategic relationship between the two nations, which has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East for decades. The sale is intended to ensure that Israel can continue to deter and, if necessary, defeat a wide range of threats, including those posed by state and non-state actors in the region.

The approval of this arms sale comes at a time when the Biden administration is navigating a complex political landscape. On one hand, there is a steadfast commitment to supporting Israel’s security; on the other, there is growing domestic and international criticism over Israel’s military actions, particularly in Gaza.

In response to these concerns, the Biden administration has taken some steps to temper its support. Notably, it has delayed the delivery of certain 2,000-pound bombs, which were intended for use by Israel, amid ongoing airstrikes in Gaza, as per the AP report.

While the approved arms sale is undoubtedly a significant gesture of support, its long-term nature highlights the U.S.’s strategic planning for Israel’s defense well into the future. The fact that these weapons systems will not be operational in Israel for several years suggests that the U.S. is not merely responding to immediate threats from Iran and its proxies in the Middle East but is also looking to secure Israel’s military dominance for the next decade and beyond.

The timing of the first deliveries in 2029 could coincide with an evolving regional security environment, where Israel may face new challenges that require an upgraded and expanded military arsenal. By providing Israel with advanced fighter jets and other critical military equipment, the U.S. is ensuring that its key ally in the region remains capable of addressing both current and future threats.

In response to recent obstructions in weapons transfers from the United States, Israel is taking significant steps to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers for key munitions. According to a report on Tuesday on the World Israel News web site, the move, prompted by the Biden administration’s decision to freeze several arms shipments during Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, signals a shift in Israel’s defense strategy as it aims to bolster its self-sufficiency in military production.

Earlier this year, the White House implemented a freeze on a number of weapons shipments to Israel, including critical aerial munitions requested by the Israeli Air Force. This decision, which has been perceived by some as a partial arms embargo, drew sharp criticism from the Israeli government and Republican lawmakers in the United States, as per the information contained in the WIN report. The freeze came at a time when Israel was engaged in intense military operations against Hamas and facing elevated tensions emanating from Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The halt in arms transfers particularly affected the supply of U.S.-made MK-84 bombs, a one-ton aerial munition that is integral to Israel’s airstrike capabilities. The WIN report indicated that while the U.S. has since renewed shipments of the smaller MK-83 half-ton bombs, the restriction on the MK-84s has left a gap in Israel’s arsenal during a critical period of conflict.

In light of these developments, the Israeli Defense Ministry has made a strategic decision to invest in the domestic production of key munitions, including one-ton aerial bombs equivalent to the MK-84. According to a report by Israel Hayom, Israel plans to establish long-term indigenous production capacities, allowing the country to produce these essential weapons independently of foreign suppliers.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce Israel’s vulnerability to international arms embargos. By developing its own production capabilities, Israel aims to ensure a steady supply of munitions during periods of protracted conflict, as was pointed out in the WIN report. The new production lines are designed to be rapidly scaled up in times of war, while maintaining a low level of operation during peacetime to preserve the manufacturing infrastructure as a strategic asset.

In addition to aerial bombs, Israel has already taken steps to diversify its sources of other critical munitions. Noted in the WIN report was that the Israeli Defense Ministry has turned to domestic arms manufacturer Elbit Systems to supply the IDF with artillery and tank shells that were previously imported. This includes 120 mm and 155 mm shells, which are essential for the IDF’s ground operations.

Elbit Systems, a major player in Israel’s defense industry, has expanded its production lines to meet the increased demand. The WIN report observed that this shift towards domestic production not only enhances Israel’s military self-reliance but also strengthens its defense industry, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy and security.

Israel’s move to bolster its domestic arms production comes in the context of a broader trend of increasing international scrutiny and restrictions on arms sales to the Jewish state. WIN also revealed that in March, the Canadian government announced a halt to all future weapon sales to Israel, citing concerns over the conflict in Gaza. Similarly, the new U.K. government is reportedly considering a partial or total arms embargo, further limiting Israel’s access to foreign military supplies.

In a delicate and highly charged atmosphere, Iran on Tuesday signaled a potential shift in its posture towards Israel following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on July 31st in Tehran, according to a report on the WIN web site. This development, which initially spurred Tehran to vow a harsh retaliatory strike against Israel, has now taken a complex turn, intertwining geopolitical negotiations with the looming threat of military conflict.

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent leader within the Iranian backed Hamas terror organization, shocked both regional and global observers. Haniyeh, whose influence extends across Gaza and beyond, had long been a key figure in the Palestinian resistance movement against Israel. WIN reported that his killing in Tehran—a city that symbolizes Iran’s deep involvement in the Palestinian cause—triggered immediate fears of a broader conflict. Tehran’s leadership, already engaged in a multifaceted struggle against Israel and its allies, pledged a severe response, raising concerns about the outbreak of a full-scale regional war.

In response to these developments, the United States swiftly deployed additional military assets to the Middle East, including F-22 stealth fighters and naval vessels, signaling its commitment to deter any escalation that could threaten regional stability, as was indicated in the WIN report. The deployment called attention to the gravity of the situation, with the U.S. making clear its intent to protect its interests and allies in the region.

Despite the initial rhetoric, recent reports indicate that Iran may be willing to reconsider its position, contingent upon the outcome of ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas. According to three senior Iranian officials, Tehran is prepared to cancel its planned attack on Israel if the talks lead to a breakthrough in the form of a hostage release and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as per the information provided in the WIN report. These talks, set to resume in Doha and Cairo, represent a critical juncture in the delicate balance of power in the Middle East.

The officials emphasized that Iran’s decision hinges on the success of these negotiations. Should Israel and Hamas reach an agreement, it could pave the way for a significant de-escalation of tensions. However, WIN also reported that the same officials warned that if the talks fail, or if Tehran perceives that Israel is deliberately stalling the negotiations, Iran will not hesitate to launch an attack. This stance highlights the precarious nature of the current situation, where diplomatic efforts are closely intertwined with the threat of military action.

A key Iranian security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, articulated the gravity of the situation, as was reported by WIN. “If the talks in Doha and Cairo fail, or if we believe Israel is dragging its feet in negotiations, Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, will launch direct attacks against Israel,” the official said. This statement shines a spotlight on the high stakes involved in the ongoing discussions, with both sides acutely aware of the potential consequences of a breakdown in talks.

In parallel to the direct negotiations between Israel and Hamas, the United States has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to prevent an escalation of hostilities. WIN reported that Ambassador Jeff Flake, America’s envoy to Turkey, revealed that the U.S. has been leveraging its diplomatic relationships to pressure Iran into adopting a more restrained approach. The U.S. has sought the assistance of Turkey and other nations with influence over Tehran, urging them to play a mediating role in this volatile situation.

“We ask all of our allies that have any relations with Iran to prevail on them to de-escalate, and that includes Turkey,” Flake stated in Istanbul, as was detailed in the WIN report. His remarks reflect the broader U.S. strategy of employing diplomatic channels to defuse tensions and avert a conflict that could have far-reaching implications for the entire region.

In a dramatic episode that underscores the intensity of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, IDF Brigadier General Dan Goldfus revealed on Tuesday that Israeli forces were mere minutes away from capturing Yahya Sinwar, the current head of Hamas, as was reported by WIN. Speaking to Channel 12, General Goldfus described a near-miss encounter that occurred during a raid on a Gaza tunnel, where Sinwar was believed to be hiding.

General Goldfus, who commands the IDF’s elite 98th Division, recounted the details of the operation, which brought Israeli forces into close proximity with one of their most wanted targets. “We were close. We were in his compound,” Goldfus stated, according to the WIN report, emphasizing the proximity to capturing Sinwar. The troops had infiltrated an underground hideout, described by Goldfus as “hot,” indicating recent activity. WIN reported that the scene was telling: freshly brewed coffee, large sums of money, and weapons scattered throughout the area—clear signs that Sinwar had been there moments before the IDF’s arrival.

When pressed by the interviewer on just how close they were to capturing the Hamas leader, General Goldfus confirmed, “Minutes, really,” the report on WIN said. This narrow miss illustrates the elusive nature of Sinwar, who has become a primary target for Israeli forces following the deaths of other top Hamas leaders.

Yahya Sinwar has emerged as the de facto leader of Hamas, stepping into a vacuum left by the recent deaths of military commander Mohammed Deif and political head Ismail Haniyeh. As was indicated in the WIN report, Sinwar, known for his brutal leadership style and deep ties within Hamas’s military wing, is believed to be orchestrating Hamas’s operations from the labyrinthine of tunnels beneath Gaza.

Sinwar’s ascension comes at a time of significant upheaval within Hamas. On August 1st, the IDF confirmed the death of Mohammed Deif, a figure long associated with orchestrating some of Hamas’s most deadly attacks against Israel. The report on WIN confirmed that Deif was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis while meeting with Rafa Salameh, the head of Hamas’s Khan Younis forces. Although Hamas has denied Deif’s death, Israeli officials maintain that the notorious commander was indeed eliminated in the strike.

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, another senior Hamas figure, has further consolidated Sinwar’s position at the helm of the organization. Haniyeh was killed in an explosion in Tehran, which Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for. However, WIN reported that it is widely believed that Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, orchestrated the attack by recruiting operatives from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to plant bombs in the guest house where Haniyeh was staying. This bold operation on Iranian soil has drawn threats of severe retaliation from Tehran, further escalating tensions in the region.