US Commits $1.5 Billion to Develop Air Bases and Ammunition Facilities in ‘israel’
Newly released documents have disclosed that the United States is embarking on an extensive military construction initiative in Israel. The program encompasses projects exceeding $1.5 billion in value, all of which are funded through American aid allocated to Tel Aviv.
According to newly released documents from the US Army Corps of Engineers, as reported by Haaretz, the comprehensive project involves the construction of airbase runways, helicopter hangars, ammunition storage facilities, and command centers. Additionally, it includes the establishment of a headquarters for the Israeli military’s Shayetet 13 naval commando unit.
The initiative receives funding from military assistance included in the $3.8 billion annual aid package that was established in 2016 during Barack Obama’s administration.
According to the report, financial contributions from U.S. military assistance are being allocated to upgrade Israel’s newly acquired CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters and KC-46 Pegasus refueling aircraft.
At a certain juncture, contractors were notified that the $900 million tender was designated for the development of facilities linked to Israel’s expanding fleets of F-15IA and F-35 fighter jets.
In a series of developments, despite tenders officially being granted to American companies, the majority of construction responsibilities are subcontracted to Israeli firms. Documents and presentations from the US Army Corps reveal that over 20 distinct projects are currently underway or planned for the future. It is believed that numerous projects are operating under assumed identities to obscure their specific locations.
The ongoing projects collectively amount to over $250 million, with anticipated future ventures projected to surpass the $1 billion mark.
Washington’s substantial expenditure in Israel signals an ongoing, deep-rooted military engagement, despite assertions from US officials that the assistance is aimed at ensuring mutual security.
The rise in expenditure is at odds with growing demands within the United States to halt arms sales to Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 57,000 Palestinians.
The projects announced on Monday had been planned prior to the recent 12-day conflict in which Israel engaged with Iran. During this period, the Israeli forces faced significant challenges from the Iranian military.
On June 13, Israeli forces initiated an operation against Iran, resulting in the deaths of multiple senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.
In a swift response within 24 hours, Iran launched a series of missile and drone strikes, followed by additional retaliatory measures under the operation dubbed True Promise III.
An Israeli military official confirmed on Tuesday that Iranian airstrikes targeted specific Israeli military sites within the occupied territories during the recent 12-day conflict. This marks the first public acknowledgment of such sites being hit.
The British daily Telegraph reported on Saturday that satellite imagery, analyzed by researchers at Oregon State University, indicates Iranian missiles targeted five Israeli military facilities.
On Sunday, Israeli legislators made a visit to the remnants of the prominent Weizmann Institute of Science, a facility with military affiliations, which was destroyed by missile strikes from Iran in response to actions in the occupied territories.
The Israeli government found itself compelled to independently agree to a truce agreement brokered by the United States on June 24.
