Israel has reached a $5.2 billion agreement with Boeing to purchase 25 advanced F-15 fighter jets, as part of a larger U.S. military aid package.
The delivery of these aircraft is slated to begin in 2031, with an option to purchase an additional 25 jets.
The deal underscores Israel's reliance on cutting-edge defense technology as it faces multiple fronts in its ongoing conflicts with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and mounting tensions with Iran.
Newsweek reached out to Boeing for comment via email.
French Diplomat Calls for Political Resolution
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, currently visiting Israel, urged the international community to push for a political solution to the Middle East conflict.
He emphasized that military force alone cannot guarantee Israel's long-term security, calling for a halt to Israeli bombings in Gaza, especially in northern regions.
Barrot also warned Iran against escalating tensions, reiterating France's advocacy for diplomacy in Lebanon. Barrot's calls for a ceasefire reflect the growing international pressure for an end to the violence and for dialogue to address underlying political issues.
Israeli Drone Strike in Sidon Kills Three
Meanwhile, an Israeli drone strike in Sidon, Lebanon, killed three people and wounded several others, including U.N. peacekeepers.
The attack occurred at an army checkpoint in the southern port city. The U.N. peacekeeping force UNIFIL condemned the strike and urged all parties to avoid actions that put civilians and peacekeepers at risk.
The drone strike in Sidon follows escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, further complicating the fragile security situation in southern Lebanon.
Al Jazeera's West Bank Bureau Closure Extended
The Israeli military has extended its order to shut down Al Jazeera's West Bank bureau for another 45 days, following a raid on its office in Ramallah.
The move is part of Israel's ongoing efforts to curb media coverage of the conflict, as the government accuses the network of promoting Hamas propaganda, a claim that Al Jazeera denies.
This is the second closure of the bureau, with the first occurring in late September. The network continues to provide extensive coverage of the war, including real-time reporting from Gaza, despite the Israeli crackdown on its operations.
These developments highlight the escalating tensions in the Middle East, with military, diplomatic and media fronts all being shaped by ongoing conflicts.
As Israel continues its military operations, the international community's calls for a political resolution and humanitarian aid are becoming increasingly urgent.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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