X

US Allocates $22.76 Billion to Support Israel's Gaza Campaign and Regional Operations

US Allocates $22.76 Billion to Support Israel's Gaza Campaign and Regional Operations
Wednesday 09 - 12:50
Zoom

The United States has committed $22.76 billion to support Israel's military operations in Gaza and related regional activities since October 7, 2023, according to a recent report by Brown University's Watson Institute. This substantial financial commitment underscores the extent of US involvement in the ongoing conflict.

The report breaks down the allocation, revealing that $17.9 billion is designated for security assistance to Israel. This figure represents an unprecedented level of US military aid to Israel since the inception of such support in 1959. However, the report cautions that this estimate is likely conservative, as it excludes additional economic and supplemental funding.

Beyond direct aid to Israel, the US has expanded its military presence in the Middle East. In response to actions by Houthi militants in Yemen, who claim their involvement is linked to support for Palestine, the US Navy has intensified its operations in the region. These expanded activities have incurred an additional cost of $4.86 billion.

The conflict's ripple effects extend beyond military expenditures. Disruptions to maritime trade routes have resulted in $2.1 billion in added costs due to shipping delays and increased insurance fees. These disruptions could potentially impact US consumer prices, particularly in sectors reliant on goods from the region.

The report also highlights the significant commercial ties between US arms manufacturers and Israel, suggesting this relationship as a factor in ongoing American support for Israeli military operations. Since October 2023, the Biden administration has approved numerous arms deals with Israel, including the provision of artillery shells, anti-tank missiles, and other military equipment.

In a historical context, Israel remains the largest cumulative recipient of US military aid since World War II. The recent $17.9 billion in approved support marks a significant escalation in US aid to Israel, reflecting America's continued involvement in the region's complex geopolitical landscape.

As the situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East continues to evolve, the scale of US financial commitment is likely to remain a topic of discussion and debate in international forums and domestic policy circles.


Read more