Since the war began in the Gaza Strip on October 7 last year, the United States has sent at least $17.9 billion in military aid to Israel, marking the highest amount of military assistance the U.S. has provided to Israel in a single year. This information was revealed in a report by Brown University’s "Costs of War" project.
On October 7 of last year, Hamas, an armed group fighting for Palestinian independence, launched an attack on Israel. In response, Israel began its offensive on Gaza that same day. The report was released on the anniversary of this event and covers the period from October 7 last year to September 30 of this year.
The report states that $4 billion has been spent to strengthen Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defense systems. In addition, the U.S. has provided Israel with cash to cover the costs of fuel for aircraft and other weapons.
The report further mentions that an additional $4.86 billion was allocated for U.S. military operations in the Middle East over the past year. This includes the costs of U.S. military operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to prevent Houthi attacks. The Yemeni-based rebel group, the Houthis, claims they are launching these attacks in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Researchers William D. Hartung and Stephen Semler, along with Professor Linda J. Bilmes of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, conducted the study on U.S. aid. Bilmes had also previously calculated the costs of U.S. wars following the 9/11 attacks.
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