Israel advancing deals with US to purchase fighter jets, helicopters and munitions

Amid Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and fighting against other Iran-backed terror groups in the Middle East, Israeli defense officials are advancing a number of key defense deals with the United States, which would see the country procure new fighter jets, attack helicopters and a continued supply of munitions.

On Thursday, Defense Ministry Director-General Eyal Zamir wrapped up a working visit to Washington, during which he met with senior Pentagon and State Department officials, as well as executives from major US defense companies to discuss the advancement of the deals.

Defense sources told The Times of Israel later Thursday that Israel’s plans to procure a new squadron of 25 F35i stealth fighter jets, a squadron of 25 F-15IA fighter jets — the Israeli variant of the advanced F-15EX — and a squadron of 12 Apache helicopters were advanced during the discussions.

The deals, some of which have been previously published, have not yet been signed, despite a report by Channel 12 news on Thursday claiming so.

Last year, Israel submitted formal requests to the US regarding the procurement of the F-35 fighters and F-15 jets. READ MORE