Washington is set to provide Israel with $3.5 billion to spend on US weapons and military equipment, releasing the money months after it was appropriated by the US Congress, CNN reported on Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The State Department notified lawmakers on Thursday night that the government intended to release the billions of dollars worth of foreign military financing to Israel, CNN reported, adding that the money comes from the $14.1 billion supplemental funding bill for Israel passed in April.
Sources also told the multinational news source that it takes time for the money to be released from these packages, and also that Israel won’t receive the $3.5 billion worth of American-made weapons immediately.
The funding that Israel receives is so that it can procure systems that are being built now, but won’t see them delivered until several years later.
Financial decision coming amid heightened tensions in the region
The State Department did not respond to a request for comment on Friday. 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 Palestinian Islamist group Hamas’ leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of retaliation against Israel.
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