Browsing: United States

The United States approved a package of potential sales to Israel valued at roughly $6.67 billion, including 30 Apache helicopters and thousands of light tactical vehicles. Officials emphasized the goal of strengthening Israel’s ability to protect population centers and critical infrastructure while maintaining the broader regional balance. A separate notification covered Patriot missiles destined for a Gulf partner, highlighting ongoing work to integrate defensive networks. The approvals point to priorities of mobility, survivability, and precision, with training and sustainment forming key components. Congressional review, contracting steps, and delivery schedules will follow, meaning implementation will unfold over months and years. The…

There is a strong likelihood that the Houthis will resume their attacks on Israel and on US ships if the US strikes Iran, Israeli public broadcaster KAN News reported on Wednesday. According to KAN, Israeli security forces are operating under the assumption that Yemen’s Houthi terrorists will be prepared to strike back against Israel if the US attacks Iran first. KAN also reported that a source within a Yemenite faction combating the Houthis had passed information to Washington about the potential for a resurgence in attacks on US ships in the Red and Arabian Seas. Continue reading this article on jpost.com

The Pentagon announced Tuesday that it has awarded Boeing an $8.6 billion contract to supply Israel with advanced F-15 fighter jets, marking a major boost to the Israeli Air Force’s capabilities. The deal covers the acquisition of the F-15IA, Israel’s customized version of the American F-15EX. These next-generation fighters are designed to gradually replace older aircraft and significantly enhance Israel’s strategic reach and air superiority. The F-15IA is notable for its exceptional weapons-carrying capacity and extended operational range, making it well-suited for long-range strike missions. When combined with Israel’s fleet of F-35 Adirs, the aircraft will create a powerful mix…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present President Donald Trump with options for renewed strikes on Iran during a meeting later this month at Mar-a-Lago. The discussions are described as being driven by deepening Israeli concern over Iran’s continuing efforts to rebuild and expand key military capabilities after the June conflict known as Operation Rising Lion. While Iran’s nuclear activity remains a central worry for Jerusalem, the most immediate focus described in the early details is the ballistic missile threat, which Israeli officials see as urgent and rapidly evolving. Israeli officials have voiced concern that Iran is not…

A dramatic shift may be underway in Israel’s strategic defense policy as officials in Jerusalem confirm to i24NEWS that Israel considers a gradual reduction of US military aid. The annual aid package stands at $3.8 billion, almost all of which is directed toward purchases from the American defense industry. This development ties in with an extraordinary statement made by the Prime Minister this morning in an interview with Australian television, in which he said that he wants to see a much more independent defense industry. He also noted that, as prime minister back in 1996, he initiated the process of…

The historic announcement early Thursday by U.S. President Donald Trump of an agreement between Israel and Hamas — marking the first stage of his Middle East peace plan — dominated headlines across the globe, from the United States to Australia, Brazil to Italy. The deal, which includes the release of all hostages held in Gaza in exchange for a partial Israeli withdrawal, was widely described by international outlets as a “historic breakthrough” that could position Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. Yet, reports also raised doubts over how the plan will be implemented, including Israel’s demand that Hamas disarm and…

Weakened by war and diplomatic deadlock, Iran’s clerical elite stands at a crossroads: defy pressure to halt its nuclear activity and risk further Israeli and US attack, or concede and risk a leadership fracture. For now, the Islamic Republic establishment is focusing on immediate survival over longer-term political strategy. A fragile ceasefire ended a 12-day war in June that began with Israeli air strikes, followed by US bunker-busting bombings of three underground Iranian nuclear sites. Both sides declared victory, but the war exposed the military vulnerabilities and punctured the image of deterrence maintained by a major Middle East power and Israel’s arch…

Hamas is reportedly on high alert over fears of a joint Israeli-US rescue mission targeting hostages. Saudi sources claim Hamas has increased surveillance to prevent detection and infiltration by Israeli special forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced that Hamas remains the chief obstacle to any ceasefire deal or hostage release. “Together with our American allies, we are considering alternative options to bring our hostages home,” Netanyahu said. Hamas reportedly backtracked on earlier ceasefire agreements, demanding exclusive UN control of humanitarian aid and increasing prisoner release demands. These shifts, Israel says, reveal Hamas’ lack of commitment to any peaceful resolution.…

On Saturday, July 5, two American veterans working with the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) were injured in an attack while distributing aid to Palestinians. The two veterans are reportedly receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition. GHF said the Americans were “highly decorated” veterans. “GHF has repeatedly warned of credible threats from Hamas, including explicit plans to target American personnel, Palestinian aid workers, and the civilians who rely on our sites for food. Today’s attack tragically affirms those warnings,” the organization wrote. GHF vowed that it was still committed to the mission of delivering aid to…

Nearly two months after his release from Hamas captivity, 21-year-old Edan Alexander is set to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday. The visit, confirmed by the White House, comes after what officials describe as a deeply personal effort by Trump to help secure the dual Israeli-American citizen’s freedom. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that both Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump are “looking forward” to hosting Alexander and his family in the Oval Office. The meeting is scheduled to take place at noon. Continue reading this article on i24news.tv