US Approves F-15 Fighter Jet Sale, Israeli Defense Minister: Your Message of Support and Commitment Is Very Clear

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (Twitter/@SecBlinken)

JAKARTA - Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked his colleagues, United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, after the agreement to sell weapons to the two countries, including F-15 fighter jets.

"Thank you to Secretary of Defense Austin and Secretary of State Blinken for advancing important force-building initiatives that help Israel develop and maintain its qualitative military edge in the region. This includes incorporating the F-15IA into the IAF's fighter fleet, and providing critical ammunition to ensure Israel's capabilities and security," Defense Minister Gallant said at X, reported The Times of Israel on August 14.

As previously reported, the United States on Tuesday approved the sale of military equipment to Israel worth $20 billion (IDR 313,903,000,000,000), as the country continues its 10-month-long war in the Gaza Strip.

The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) said in a statement that Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the sale of F-15 fighter jets and supporting equipment worth nearly $19 billion, tank cartridges worth $774 million, explosive mortar cartridges worth more than $60 million, military vehicles worth $583 million, reported Reuters

"As we fight to defend Israel on 7 different fronts, your message of support and commitment to Israel's security is very clear," said Defense Minister Gallant.

The F-15 fighter jets to be sold are said to be F-15IA, a variant of the advanced F-15EX fighter jet, totaling 50 units.

Last year, Israel submitted a formal request to the US for the procurement of 25 F-15IA fighter jets, with an option for another 25 fighter jets.