On October 7, 2023, a significant shift in the United States’ financial and military involvement in the Middle East was evident, particularly concerning its support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to a report from Brown University’s Costs of War project, the US has expended an estimated $22.76 billion in military aid, operations, and related expenses in the region since then. This report highlights the extensive and often opaque nature of US military support for Israel, emphasizing that this financial assistance has reached unprecedented levels, significantly surpassing previous years since the inception of military aid to Israel in 1959.
The provision of military aid has been outlined in the report, revealing that the US government has allocated at least $17.9 billion specifically for Israeli military operations over the past year. This figure is not only the highest recorded since military aid began but also indicative of a broader trend toward increased military entanglement in the region. The report underscores the challenges in tracking these military transactions, especially during the Biden administration, which has reportedly made around 100 arms deals with Israel since October 2023 without disclosing details that typically require Congressional notification.
Moreover, the report contextualizes these figures by referencing a notable arms deal worth $20.3 billion that was approved prior to the recent escalation. While this deal is separate from the aforementioned military aid, it illustrates the long-term financial commitments the US has made to support Israel’s military capabilities. The deal, which includes a significant procurement of fighter jets, raises questions about how much of this will actually be covered by US military assistance, further complicating the fiscal picture surrounding US support for Israel.
In conjunction with aiding Israel, the US has been active in its military operations throughout the Middle East, spending at least $4.8 billion in its own operations. This sum involves intercepting various threats, as well as direct military engagements, particularly against the Houthi forces in Yemen. The report specifies that $2.4 billion of this budget has been allocated for operations aimed at countering missile attacks and launching counterstrikes in Yemen, alongside additional financial commitments as part of a larger foreign military aid bill signed into law by President Biden in April. The financial strain on the US taxpayer appears unlikely to dissipate soon, especially as conflicts remain unresolved and tensions continue to rise across the region.
The persistent violence and military campaigns, particularly Israel’s aggressive operations in Gaza and Lebanon, contribute to a volatile environment where further escalation seems imminent. The potential for a broader conflict, especially involving Iran, looms large as the US engages in military coordination with Israel in response to perceived threats. The recent Iranian missile strikes targeting Israel in retaliation for its military actions further exacerbate the likelihood of deeper engagement from the US, raising concerns about the implications for stability in the region.
In summary, Brown University’s Costs of War project presents a disconcerting overview of the financial and military commitments made by the US in support of Israel and its military operations in the Middle East. With expenditures exceeding $22 billion since early October, ongoing military assistance, and the prospect of future conflicts, the implications for US foreign policy and taxpayer responsibilities are profound and complex. As the situation develops, the report serves as a critical reminder of the intricate ties between US military funding and the unfolding crises in the Middle East.
