The US news website “Axios” reported that Israel, which has been attacking the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, will request a large amount of military equipment from the Washington administration, including fighter jets, weapon systems, and ammunition.
Axios recalled that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will visit the United States next week for the first time since he became minister.
The report, citing unnamed Israeli and US officials, said Gallant is expected to meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during the visit.
Gallant will request weapons systems from the Washington administration during the visit, the report said, adding that the Israeli minister will ask for more F-35 and F-15 fighter jet supplies from the US in the long term, in addition to making short-term requests regarding the attacks in Gaza.
The report said Austin would inform Gallant that the speed of the arms supplies would depend on US stockpiles and the US Congress’ approval of additional funding.
In the statement of the US Department of Defense, it was reported that Austin will host his Israeli counterpart Gallant on March 26.
US is Israel’s biggest arms supplier in the attacks on Gaza
31,988 Palestinians, including at least 14,000 children and 9,220 women, have been killed and 74,188 people have been injured in Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7.
The US is the leading supplier of ammunition to the Israeli army in these attacks on Gaza.
Israeli media reported that 35,000 tons of weapons and ammunition have arrived in Israel on more than 300 planes and about 50 ships from various countries, mostly from the United States, since October 7.
It is noted that Israel’s main arms supplier is the United States, while a small portion of the arms shipments is made from some other countries.
Source: AA