The State Department has notified Congress of its intent to “obligate $3.5 billion in FY 2024 Foreign Military Financing using funding provided by the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act,” a State Department spokesperson confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Friday night.
CNN first reported the release of the funding.According to CNN’s reporting, it takes time for the money to be released from these packages, and Israel won’t receive the $3.5 billion worth of American-made weapons immediately.
The funding that Israel will receive is for systems that are being built now, but won’t be delivered for several years.The action comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and fears of the widening of the war in Gaza that has already killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis.There has been an increased risk of escalation into a broader Middle East war after the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of retaliation against Israel.
Financial decision coming amid heightened tensions in the region
The report of the additional funding comes days after Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign reaffirmed her support for Israel after a meeting with pro-Palestinian leaders before a rally in Detroit suggested that she expressed an openness to an arms embargo for Israel.Harris’s National Security Advisor Phil Gordon said Harris has been clear and will always ensure Israel can defend itself.