US approves $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel as Middle East tensions near boiling point

The United States on Tuesday approved the sale of $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel as the region continues towards a wider Middle East war.

"The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives," the State Department said. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. 

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In a statement, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant thanked the U.S. for allowing Israel to maintain a "qualitative military edge in the region."