Israel's cabinet on Sunday approved the budget to boost the country's Air Force by procuring warplanes, refueling planes and helicopters from the United States.
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The budget, worth $9 billion of US aid money, was approved after a deliberation that lasted seven hours, according to Channel 12 News.
The report noted that Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief-of-Staff Aviv Kochavi were in favor of the move versus the Finance Ministry which opposed it.
The ministry objected to the deal, which would require taking loans from American banks that would be worth around $220 million.
However, due to Washington's condition to authorize the deal within the span of two weeks, or else Israel would lose its priority to procure the aircraft, the cabinet followed through despite the objections.
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The arms deal would include SH53K helicopters, F-35 and F-16 fighter jets and thousands of bombs and advanced armaments.
Still, it is estimated that at least three years will pass before the aircraft are delivered to Israel.
i24NEWS contributed to this report.



