Israel’s defense ministry announced on Thursday that it has secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the U.S. to bolster its military efforts, including upgrades to its air defense systems.
The package allocates $3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement and $5.2 billion to enhance systems like the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and a high-powered laser defense system.
This comes amid ongoing conflicts, with Israel battling Hamas militants in Gaza and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas condemned the U.S. for supplying Israel with weapons, accusing it of contributing to civilian casualties.
Israel’s military has been heavily engaged, conducting airstrikes in Lebanon and Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 attack, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths, mostly civilians.
Gaza’s health ministry reports over 41,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the retaliatory strikes.
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