US Support for Israel's Military Actions in the Middle East
The United States has been a key supporter of Israel's military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, providing over $22 billion in aid since October 7, 2023, as reported by a Sweden-based institute.
Increasing Arms Supply from the US
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the US has supplied 69% of Israel's arms from 2019 to 2023, a figure that rose to 78% in subsequent years.
Rapid Growth in Weapon Deliveries
By December 2023, the US had delivered more than 10,000 tons of weapons valued at $2.4 billion, a number that surged to 50,000 tons by August 2024, utilizing a vast network of planes and ships for transportation.
Diverse Military Equipment Supplied
Being Israel's primary ally, the US has provided a wide array of sophisticated military hardware, including missiles for the Iron Dome defense system, precision-guided bombs, heavy lift helicopters, armored vehicles, and various types of munitions.
Long History of US Aid to Israel
Since 1946, the US has allocated over $310 billion in military and economic assistance to Israel, adjusted for inflation, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
Continued Support Through Military Aid Deals
A $38 billion military aid agreement signed in 2016 remains active, with $3.8 billion allocated annually for foreign military financing and missile defense, supplemented by emergency funding such as a $14.1 billion package approved in February 2024.
Concerns and Criticisms
There have been concerns raised about the use of US-supplied weapons in civilian areas, with limited oversight from Congress over the transfer of arms, despite continuous scrutiny over the impact on civilian populations in Gaza.
Authorization of Numerous Arms Deals
By 2024, the US had approved over 100 arms deals for Israel, specifically focusing on bolstering missile defense capabilities and replenishing military stockpiles to support ongoing operations in the region.
