The United States has committed a record-breaking $17.9 billion in military aid to Israel since the start of the Gaza war, a staggering figure revealed in a report by Brown University’s Costs of War project. This unprecedented level of support comes as tensions escalate across the Middle East, with the war in Gaza sparking wider regional conflict.
The report, released on the anniversary of Hamas’s attacks on Israel, also highlights an additional $4.86 billion spent by the US on enhanced military operations in the region. This includes a Navy-led campaign to combat strikes on commercial shipping by Yemen’s Houthis, who are acting in solidarity with Hamas. The US military has deployed extensively to counter these attacks, marking the most intense naval combat since World War II.
The report, which was completed before Israel launched a second front against Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, provides a crucial insight into the financial burden of the ongoing conflict. This financial toll is compounded by the devastating human cost, with over 1,200 people killed in Israel and nearly 42,000 in Gaza.
The report details how the US military aid to Israel has been directed toward replenishing missile defense systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling, as well as supplying munitions, rifles, and jet fuel. It also includes funding for drawdown from US stockpiles and the transfer of used equipment.
The US has committed to providing billions in military aid to both Israel and Egypt each year since their 1979 peace treaty. Under the Obama administration, the annual amount for Israel was set at $3.8 billion through 2028. This commitment has led to a significant increase in the amount of US military aid since the Gaza war began.
However, the precise details of the US military shipments to Israel remain obscured. The researchers attribute this to the Biden administration’s efforts to conceal the full extent of the aid through bureaucratic maneuvers. This lack of transparency has fueled criticism surrounding the US’s unwavering support for Israel during a conflict that has taken a heavy toll on civilians.
The report underscores the complex geopolitical landscape and the significant financial and human cost associated with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It provides a stark reminder of the complexities and consequences of the US’s role in the region and raises important questions about the transparency and impact of its involvement.
