US sends large shipment of weapons to Israel

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on Monday evening that the State Department had approved the sale of Eitan armored vehicles to Israel worth $180 million. The Pentagon announced in a statement that this action was taken in line with the US commitment to Israel's security and national interests.

 

The statement said: "We are committed to Israel's security and assisting it is essential to our national interests. This sale of military equipment will improve Israel's ability to defend its borders, infrastructure, and population centers."

 

Al Jazeera reported that the deal would enhance Israel’s ability to counter current and future threats and demonstrate the US commitment to the security and modernization of its forces.

 

The Pentagon also added that the potential sale would not change the fundamental military balance in the Middle East and would not require the deployment of US personnel to Israel.

 

Meanwhile, the Yedioth Aharonot newspaper reported on Monday evening that a large shipment of US ammunition was on its way to the Zionist regime. “The [Israeli] army will soon receive a large shipment of more than 3,000 types of air force ammunition from Washington,” Yedioth reported, citing informed sources.

 

“The [US] government has approved the shipment of ammunition to strengthen the readiness of the air force for a large-scale operation in the Gaza Strip,” the source told the newspaper.

 

Yedioth further reported, citing a Tel Aviv security official, that Israel is demanding the release of nine or 10 live hostages, while Hamas is willing to release seven or eight. The newspaper also claimed that military and political pressure will eventually lead to an agreement, as food and fuel will run out in Gaza within weeks.