Israel says it has secured an $8.7 billion military aid package from the US

Israel announced Thursday that it had reached an agreement with the U.S. on an $8.7 billion aid package to support its ongoing military efforts.

Congress allocated funds for the package as part of the national security supplement that the president signed in April. The total additional amount included $26.38 billion to support Israel and reimburse U.S. actions in response to recent attacks.

The package announced Thursday includes $3.5 billion for wartime procurement and $5.2 billion for air defense systems, including Iron Dome, a short-range missile interceptor; and David’s Slingshot, which can destroy ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, long-range missiles and other air threats.

“These efforts are aimed at maintaining Israel’s qualitative advantage in the region and supporting ongoing military operations,” the Israeli Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The talks on the American side were led by Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainable Development William LaPlante.

The Pentagon said in a statement that Dory reinforced the Biden administration’s continued support for Israel’s security and discussed “the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions necessary for lasting security.”

“The leaders exchanged views on Israel’s ongoing operations against Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, the need to immediately release all hostages in Gaza, and the need to minimize damage to civilians in the conflict zones.”

The announcement comes as Israel has been fighting on two major fronts for almost a year – against Hezbollah on its northern border with Lebanon and against Hamas in the Gaza Strip – following Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack on Israel and its holding of approximately 100 kidnapped Israeli hostages.

President Biden and Vice President Harris have rejected calls from some Democrats and progressives to condition aid to Israel on influencing its military activities due to the humanitarian and civilian casualties among Palestinians and Lebanese.

The administration focused on pushing for a temporary ceasefire on both fronts to calm tensions. Israel and Hamas have rejected these proposals since November.

This story was updated at 5:43 p.m

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