State Dept. confirms to Post it released $3.5 billion to Israel on Thursday to spend on US weaponry

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF, REUTERS, HANNAH SARISOHN

Published: AUGUST 9, 2024 22:51

Updated: AUGUST 10, 2024 19:03

According to the US Embassy, there are approximately 600,000 American citizens residing permanently or temporarily in Israel, and of these, an estimated 500,000 may be eligible to vote in the US Presidential election. (photo credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90) — According to the US Embassy, there are approximately 600,000 American citizens residing permanently or temporarily in Israel, and of these, an estimated 500,000 may be eligible to vote in the US Presidential election.

(photo credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)

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.

The State Department has notified Congress of its intent to “obligate $3.5 billion in FY 2024 Foreign Military Financing using funding provided by the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act,” a State Department spokesperson confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Friday night.

CNN first reported the release of the funding.

According to CNN’s reporting, it takes time for the money to be released from these packages, and Israel won’t receive the $3.5 billion worth of American-made weapons immediately.

The funding that Israel will receive is for systems that are being built now, but won’t be delivered for several years.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 Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of retaliation against Israel.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US Vice President, and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, in Washington, last week. Some have described Harris as seeking a clean slate for the US relationship with Israel, the writers say. (credit: Nathan Howard/Reuters)

Financial decision coming amid heightened tensions in the region

The report of the additional funding comes days after Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign reaffirmed her support for Israel after a meeting with pro-Palestinian leaders before a rally in Detroit suggested that she expressed an openness to an arms embargo for Israel.

Harris’s National Security Advisor Phil Gordon said Harris has been clear and will always ensure Israel can defend itself.