U.S. Pours Record $17.9 Billion into Military Aid for Israel Since October 7, 2023
The United States has spent $17.9 billion on military aid to Israel since the October 2023 outbreak of the Gaza war, a record cost for warfare in the region. Never before has the United States signed so many contracts for sales to Israel, which also indicates the rise of tensions in the region and the increased pressure from the Biden administration on its main ally. This has included arms, military aid and replenishment of the Israeli arsenal, funding for security systems as outlined in a report by Brown University’s Costs of War project.
Record Military Aid to Israel
Israel is the number one recipient of U.S. military aid, but that does not mean America’s interests and Israel’s are always in alignment. The United States has given Israel a total of $251.2 billion in 2017 dollars through fiscal year 2017, including $124.9billion in military assistance [in current dollars]. Until now, $17.9 billion was the largest sum ever appropriated for Israel in a single year, which was spent after October 7,2003.
This assistance has been funneled for defense such as the $4 b to replenish Israel’s missile defence systems (Iron Dome and David’s Sling). Arms sales, munitions, precision-guided bombs and equipment from U.S. stockpiles also have been provided as support. Citing a report, it said the specifics of aid is difficult to trace in full, because the Biden administration has not provided all the information.
US Military Intervention in the Middle East
As the U.S. bolsters military aid sent to Israel, a corollary has been an increasing U.S. military presence in the Middle East. Since the invasion began, administration costs in the region have also risen by $4. That includes sending naval forces to defend against Houthi attacks out of Yemen and increasing the number of troops from 34,000 to around 43,000.
U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, fighter squadrons and air defense batteries have made their way to the Mediterranean, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden area through these 200 days. These measures are designed to shield against U.S. and Israeli forces and preemptive strikes from another regional actor.
The Fight Against the Houthis
Among the most complex and expensive has been blocking Houthi strikes in the Red Sea. The Shiite Houthtis in Yemen, who control roughly half its territory and are allied with Iran, have begun targeting commercial shipping in support of Gaza. Although the U.S. Navy has been at the forefront of the effort to counter these attacks, it has proven more costly in terms of the $4.86 billion expended on this operation given that there are a whole range of challenges due to their complexity and nature.
Conclusion
Since October 2023, the country has also increased Israeli military aid and their own efforts in the Middle East. The cost of the war: $17.9 billion in military support for Israel, nearly $5 billion in regional operations The Biden administration once again supported Israel, and sought a broader peace at the end of its term by its concern over the risk to further U.S. interests in the Middle East if hostilities spread beyond quelling P.A.G activity into general war between Israeli and Arab forces (and potentially Russian forces as well).
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