Israel secures $8.7 billion US aid package to bolster defense systems against Iranian threats

IDF Maj.-Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir, the director-general of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, concluded negotiations in Washington on Thursday for an $8.7 billion U.S. aid package in support of Israel's ongoing military efforts to address regional security threats from Iran and Iranian-backed militias.

The package includes $3.5 billion for essential wartime IDF acquisitions and $5.2 billion designated for enhancing Israel’s air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and an advanced laser system still under development.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commissioned Zamir to hold a series of high-level meetings with U.S. government officials at the Pentagon for the negotiations. Zamir met with the Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Amanda Dory, and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. William (Bill) LaPlante, as well as other administration officials.

The substantial aid package will significantly strengthen Israel’s critical aerial defense systems, such as the Iron Dome and David's Sling, while supporting the ongoing expansion of an advanced high-powered laser defense system, currently in a later stage of development.

The meetings and negotiations aim to maintain Israel's military edge in the Middle East and support ongoing defense operations. Zamir expressed gratitude on behalf of Gallant and the Israeli defense establishment for the U.S. government's steadfast support and commitment to Israel's security needs.

Israel is currently fighting in the south against the Hamas terror group in Gaza and, in the north, exchanging fire with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

Zamir was accompanied by Defense Attaché to the U.S., Maj.-Gen. Hadi Zilberman; the head of the Israel Ministry of Defense Mission to the US, Aviram Hasson; the Director of the Israel Missile Defense Organization at the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), Moshe Patel; the Israel Ministry of Defense Representative in Washington, Omer Haim; and other senior officials.

A Ministry of Defense statement noted that the package underscores the “strong and enduring strategic partnership between Israel and the United States and the ironclad commitment to Israel’s security,” particularly in addressing regional security threats from Iran and Iranian-backed militias.