United States Department of State approved the sale of approximately 990 million gallons of Petroleum-based products to include JP-8 Aviation Fuel, Diesel Fuel, and Unleaded Gasoline to Israel via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channel, at an estimated cost of $3 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) submitted the necessary certificate notifying Congress of this sale.
“The proposed sale of the JP-8 aviation fuel will enable Israel to maintain operational aircraft. Diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline will be used for ground vehicles. The proposed sale will improve Israel’s ability to meet current and future threats in order to defend its borders.” stated the news released by Defense and Security Cooperation Agency.
As the strategic ally of the USA, Israel receives great military aid from the USA in various packages. Israel is obliged to buy the products it will supply with the help of this great aid for security by the USA. In this context, Israel purchases military equipment from US companies with financial support from the US government. However, Israel provides various vehicle fuels from the USA by virtue of of this incoming security aid when there is no need for military equipment or when there is an advantage in purchasing for Israel. If the contract awaiting DSCA’s approval is signed, it is not still unknown whether the purchase will be covered under this package.
In 2016, a $38 billion security aid package was approved for Israel in a 10-year period by former US President Barack Obama.
Washington administrations sent over $130 billion in aid to Israel by 2018. Most of these aids were provided in the military field.
