The war in Gaza has triggered one of the largest and fastest U.S.–to–Israel weapons pipelines in modern history, with American approvals for Israeli military purchases surpassing $32 billion since October 2023. This explosive rise in arms transfers has major implications for global security, U.S. taxpayer spending, and the booming American defense industry.
According to detailed reporting from The Wall Street Journal, U.S. companies such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Caterpillar have benefited heavily from wartime demand, securing some of the largest sales in years.
Sharp Rise in U.S. Military Support to Israel
Before the latest Gaza conflict, Israel typically received $3.3 billion annually in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) from the U.S. — a long-standing agreement under the 10-year security pact signed in 2016.
But as war intensified, U.S. military assistance surged dramatically. Reuters confirmed that American support more than doubled to $6.8 billion in 2024.
Source: Reuters
A comprehensive analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) also reports that the U.S. accounted for over 60% of Israel’s total arms imports between 2020 and 2024 — making Washington by far Israel’s largest weapons supplier.
Major U.S. Arms Deals Approved Since October 2023
Multiple high-value arms packages have been greenlit by Washington since the conflict escalated. Verified examples include:
- Approval of $18 billion worth of F-15 fighter jets to Israel (Source: WSJ)
- Approval for thousands of precision-guided bombs and munitions (Source: AP News)
- Multiple emergency weapons transfers under wartime authorizations (Source: The Guardian)
- A proposed $6 billion package including attack helicopters and armored vehicles (Source: Reuters)
These sales were made possible through a mix of expedited authorizations, emergency waivers, and congressional notifications — mechanisms the U.S. uses during wartime or urgent foreign policy situations.
Big Winners: U.S. Defense Corporations
As weapons continue to move rapidly into Israel, major U.S. defense companies are reporting surging demand:
- Boeing — Benefiting from fighter jet and bomb kit orders.
- Northrop Grumman — Supplying radar systems and precision technologies.
- Caterpillar — Providing armored bulldozers widely used by the IDF.
The Wall Street Journal’s investigation shows the Gaza conflict has generated “billions in new business” for these companies — a financial boost that has drawn global attention.
Impact on U.S. Taxpayers
A significant share of Israel’s wartime military purchases is funded through U.S. taxpayer-backed programs.
Under the FMF program, the U.S. directly finances many Israeli weapons purchases — and even allows Israel unique permission to spend part of that money domestically within its own defense industry.
(Source: U.S. State Department, SIPRI)
With military aid jumping from $3.3B to $6.8B, and with billions more in emergency transfers, American taxpayers remain deeply tied to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Growing International Scrutiny
Human rights organizations and several global governments have questioned the scale of U.S. weapons transfers during an active conflict with increasing civilian casualties.
A Washington Post investigation highlighted calls for arms restrictions, while The Guardian reported on loopholes that allow rapid weapon shipments despite growing international criticism.
Israel Seeking 20-Year Military Aid Pact
Recent reporting from PressTV and regional outlets suggests Israel is pushing for a 20-year military financing agreement with the United States — potentially locking in billions annually for decades.
If approved, this would become the largest and longest aid commitment in U.S.–Israel military history.
What Happens Next?
The White House is still reviewing additional multi-billion dollar weapons packages for Israel, and congressional deliberations continue. Meanwhile, the Gaza conflict shows no sign of slowing, making arms transfers a central geopolitical story.
With U.S. defense contractors expanding production and Israel looking to secure long-term financing, the arms pipeline will remain one of the most critical and controversial elements of the war.
Read More on Simbad Ozibe Blog
For more verified global news, tech updates, business insights, and political analysis, visit the homepage of Simbad Ozibe Blog.