The Israeli military has announced that it has received its first supply of armaments from the United States. The exact types of weaponry were not disclosed, but they are said to be designed to facilitate significant military operations and increase preparedness for various scenarios. This comes after a deadly attack by Hamas, which prompted Israel to declare war for the first time since 1973. The first plane carrying U.S. weapons landed at the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel on Tuesday evening. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expressed gratitude to the United States for its support during this challenging time.
Israel and the United States have emphasized their strong military cooperation and its importance in ensuring regional security and stability. The weapon shipment follows a brutal surprise attack by Hamas, in which over 1,000 terrorists rampaged through southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,000 Israeli civilians, as well as hostage-taking, rape, torture, and theft of military equipment. In response, Israel has launched its heaviest bombardment of the Gaza Strip, the stronghold of Hamas, and has imposed a “complete siege” of the area. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported at least 830 deaths in Gaza since the escalation began.
The IDF has conducted numerous airstrikes in Gaza, targeting over 200 locations in the Al-Furqan neighborhood, which it says was being used as a terror hub by Hamas. The U.S. Department of Defense has increased its military force posture in the region to enhance deterrence, deploying a carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean and bolstering fighter aircraft presence. National security advisor Jake Sullivan has confirmed that military supplies, particularly interceptors for the Iron Dome missile defense system, are already being sent to Israel. The U.S. government has pledged to provide the assistance necessary for Israel to defend itself.
U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attack by Hamas as “an act of sheer evil” and expressed his support for Israel. He assured that the U.S. would ensure Israel has the critical assets it needs for defense, including ammunition and interceptors to replenish the Iron Dome. Biden emphasized that Hamas does not stand for the rights of the Palestinian people and its purposes are the annihilation of Israel and the murder of Jewish people. He denounced Hamas’s use of Palestinian civilians as human shields and affirmed Israel’s right and duty to respond to these attacks.
Former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren praised President Biden’s speech as the most pro-Israel in history, highlighting his support for the Jewish state and its people. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and a team of diplomats will be visiting Israel this week to coordinate with Israeli leadership on the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The visit aims to demonstrate solidarity and support for Israel’s self-defense. The United States has clarified that it has no plans for military action and that the presence of an aircraft carrier in the region is intended to deter other powers from exploiting the situation.