Browsing: United States

Iran’s IRGC vowed a “heavy attack” on American military assets after US forces disabled Iranian tankers — and IDF simultaneously struck over 85 Hezbollah sites in 24 hours. Here’s what’s happening. This Monday update covers three major fronts developing simultaneously across the Middle East. On the maritime front, the IRGC Navy has issued explicit threats against US military installations and naval assets, warning that any further action against Iranian tankers will trigger devastating retaliatory strikes. This follows US forces disabling multiple Iranian-flagged vessels under the ongoing naval blockade — a crisis that traces back to February 28. Indirect diplomacy continues,…

Israel will procure two additional squadrons of F-35I and F-15IA fighter jets from the United States, drawing on lessons from the recent war with Iran, the Defense Ministry announced on Sunday, May 3. Over the weekend, the Ministerial Committee on Procurement approved a fourth F-35I squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing. The deals are valued at tens of billions of shekels and form the first major step in a 350 billion shekel (about $119 billion) long-term military buildup plan. Currently, Israel operates 48 F-35I jets, with another 25 ordered in 2023 and expected to begin…

In an effort to bolster Israel’s war effort against Hezbollah and Iran, the United States helped deliver 6,500 tons of munitions and military equipment in just 24 hours. In a statement from Israel’s Ministry of Defense, two cargo ships carrying thousands of air and ground munitions, military trucks, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), and additional military equipment were offloaded at the ports in Ashdod and Haifa. The operation was led by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD), in coordination with its International Shipping Division, the IMOD Mission to the United States, and the IDF’s Planning Directorate.…

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Sunday, April 5, that he had spoken with US President Donald Trump, who thanked Israel for its critical assistance in the operation to rescue the downed American pilot from enemy territory in Iran. The phone call came after both crew members of the F-15 were safely recovered. Netanyahu said he personally congratulated Trump on his bold decision and the perfectly executed American mission. “The President expressed his appreciation for Israel’s help,” Netanyahu wrote in a social media post following the call. He added that he was deeply proud that cooperation between the two nations…

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…