Israel has received more US military aid than any other country since World War II. Here is the assistance it has received since the war in Gaza began
Over the past 12 months, the United States has bolstered its support for Israel with billions of dollars in security assistance and weapons since the Hamas attack in October 7, 2023. This support was intensified with the mobilization of American troops and advanced defense systems, such as THAAD, to protect Israel from possible attacks.
The conflict in Gaza evolved into an invasion of southern Lebanon, raising fears of a larger war. Recently, with tensions rising following an Iranian missile attack on Israel, the United States committed to sending the system THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), one of the most advanced missile defense systems in the world. This system will be operated directly by American troops sent to Israeli territory, reinforcing the country’s defense.
Furthermore, the US military had previously helped defend Israel from two large-scale Iranian missile attacks, one in April and another in October of this year. In the April operation, more than 100 ballistic missiles and 150 drones were fired at Israel, and the US intervened, shooting down around 70 drones and some missiles with the help of destroyers in the Mediterranean.
Since the end of World War II, Israel has been the largest beneficiary of US military assistance. The amount already exceeds the US$200 billionwith significant increases since the October attack. Only in 2023, Israel received US$6.5 billion in assistance, and new sales of weapons and equipment were approved.
In April, the US Congress gave the green light to a security package for US$14.1 billionincluding weapons and ammunition. It is estimated that the total amount spent by the US during this period of conflict already exceeds US$17.9 billionaccording to research from Brown University.
What did Israel receive in terms of weaponry?
Israel has used a wide range of American weapons, such as 2,000-pound munitions, especially in operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Biden administration also approved sales of ammunition for tanks and artillerywith a total value of US$106.5 millionin addition to projectiles 155 mm and other artillery equipment.
These weapons, combined with sales of planes and tanks, demonstrate that American support for Israel goes beyond financing and includes regular sales of lethal weapons. New sales of tactical vehicles and fighter aircraft F-15 were approved, with deliveries scheduled until 2029.
International concerns and criticism
This increase in American military support for Israel has not gone unnoticed. Human rights organizations and Western allies such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Belgium have expressed concerns about the use of American weapons in civilian areas, especially in Gaza. The Biden government, in turn, has faced criticism for continuing to supply weapons, even in the face of allegations of human rights violations.
In May, the White House temporarily halted the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs due to fears of escalation in Gaza. However, shipments resumed shortly afterwards, with smaller ammunition, such as those of 500 pounds.
The military relationship between the US and Israel is robust and long-standing. The United States not only supplies weapons, but ensures that Israel maintains its military superiority in the region. However, this support is coming under increasing scrutiny as the death toll in Gaza rises and the risk of a wider regional conflict increases. The challenge for Washington is to balance its commitment to Israel’s security with domestic and international political and legal pressures.
With information from The Washington Post*
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/10/14/israel-e-o-pais-que-mais-recebeu-ajuda-militar-desde-a-2o-guerra/
