Israel’s defence ministry announced on Thursday it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to bolster its military efforts, including significant upgrades to its air defence systems. This development comes as Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas condemned the US for providing Israel with “deadly weapons” used in the ongoing conflict, during his address to the UN General Assembly.
The aid package was finalized as Israel fights on two fronts, battling Hamas militants in Gaza and Hezbollah fighters along its northern border with Lebanon.
The Israeli defence ministry detailed the breakdown of the package, stating that it includes $3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement and $5.2 billion earmarked for upgrading air defence systems. These systems include the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and a high-powered laser system currently under development.
“This substantial investment will significantly strengthen critical systems such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling, while also advancing the development of the high-powered laser defence system,” the ministry said in a statement.
The agreement was reached after high-level discussions between US and Israeli officials in Washington, with $3.5 billion already delivered for critical acquisitions.
The conflict has escalated significantly, with Israel conducting hundreds of airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands displaced, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel has also been engaged in a fierce military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’ attack on October 7, which claimed the lives of 1,205 Israelis, mostly civilians.
In response, Israel’s retaliatory strikes have killed over 41,500 people in Gaza, the majority of them women and children, as reported by the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza. The conflict remains intense, with Israeli forces also seeking the release of 97 hostages still held by Hamas, 33 of whom are believed to have died in captivity.
