Israel, US begin implementing 5.2 billion USD air defence aid package

by IANS |

Jerusalem, Oct 22 (IANS) Israeli and US officials have begun implementing a $5.2 billion emergency aid package to bolster Israel's air defence system.


The Israeli and US sides completed an exchange of letters to initiate the package, which will enhance Israel's Iron Dome anti-rocket system, David's Sling missile defence system, and the Iron Beam laser defense system, the ministry said in a statement on Monday.


The package is part of an $8.7 billion aid Israel said in late September it had secured from the United States, in which $3.5 billion have already been transferred to Israel for "urgent wartime procurement."


The United States has been supporting Israel since the beginning of the conflict with Hamas on October 7 last year, sending a few hundred cargo planes and ships with weapons, bombs, and ammunition, according to official Israeli sources, Xinhua news agency reported.


The US military aid has drawn widespread criticism as ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip are claiming more and more lives. According to the latest data from the Gaza-based health authorities, the Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the enclave has topped 42,600.

Latest News
Cummins ready 'to make amends' in next month's Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:47 PM
No demolition in violence-hit Bahraich till Wednesday, UP govt assures SC Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:45 PM
Italy: Flash floods claim one life, force evacuation of at least 2,500 people Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:41 PM
Assam bypolls: AIUDF to announce candidate for Samaguri seat Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:38 PM
Pakistani drone spotted along LoC in J&K's Poonch Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:30 PM
Sena bets big on Shinde for Mahayuti’s victory, projects him as clear choice for Maha's progress Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:24 PM
Maha Dy CM Fadnavis' home becomes new centre of activity after BJP's first list out Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:21 PM
Samsung Biologics wins $1.24 bn deal for contract manufacturing Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:18 PM
South Korea, Indonesia agree to expand cooperation in defence, EV Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:18 PM
Karnataka rain fury: Bengaluru worst hit; CM says 'closely monitoring rain-related disasters' Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:16 PM
Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead 15-member India A squad on Australia tour Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:13 PM
Williamson out of 2nd Test against lndia as he continues rehabilitation: NZC Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:09 PM
Sensex climbs 240 points, Nifty up 72 points in early trade Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:05 PM
Adani Group’s Ambuja Cements acquires 47 pc stake in Orient Cement for Rs 8,100 crore Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 12:04 PM
US encourages Azerbaijan to finalise peace with Armenia by year-end Tue, Oct 22, 2024, 11:59 AM