US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Tuesday approved the possible sale of fighter jets and other military equipment worth more than $20 billion to Israel, the Pentagon said.
The Pentagon said in a statement that Blinken approved the possible sale of F-15 aircraft and equipment worth nearly $19 billion.
He also approved the possible sale of tanks worth about $774 million and military vehicles worth $583 million.
Tanks would be available for delivery almost immediately, while F-15 fighter jets would take years to produce and deliver.
The US is a staunch supporter of Israel's war in the Gaza Strip, which began with an October 7 attack by Hamas militants that killed 1.200 people and took 250 hostage. Almost 40.000 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza.
While approving arms sales to Israel, Washington also tried to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire that would potentially prevent a wider Middle East war.
Fears of a wider war have increased since the recent assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
Both sides have threatened retaliation against Israel.
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