Washington has approved weaponry for Israel and attempted to negotiate a cease-fire in Gaza.

According to the Pentagon, Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the probable sale of fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel for more than $20 billion on Tuesday. According to the Pentagon, Blinken approved the probable sale of F-15 jets and equipment valued at approximately $19 billion. He also approved the sale of tank cartridges for around $774 million and army vehicles worth $583 million, according to the Pentagon. Tank rounds would be virtually instantly available for dispatch. The Boeing Co. F-15 fighter jets would take years to build and deliver.

The United States has strongly supported Israel while its biggest Middle Eastern partner wages a war in the Gaza Strip that has destroyed the Palestinian enclave. The Islamist group Hamas launched the battle on October 7, attacking southern Israel. While approving arms for Israel, Washington has also attempted to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, which might perhaps prevent a larger Middle East war. Fears of a larger battle have grown following the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Both issued threats to retaliate against Israel.