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The Gaza War Has Generated Billions of Dollars in Sales for U.S. Companies
(Wall Street Journal) Benoit Faucon - Israel's two-year war in Gaza built an unprecedented arms pipeline from the U.S. to Israel that continues to flow, generating substantial business for U.S. companies. Since October 2023, Washington has approved more than $32 billion in armaments, ammunition and other equipment to the Israeli military, according to State Department disclosures. The U.S. greenlighted an $18.8 billion sale of Boeing F-15 strike fighters last year to Israel for delivery beginning in 2029. This year, various partnerships in which Boeing plays a leading role got approval for $7.9 billion of sales of guided bombs and associated kits. This would account for a significant portion of the company's current orders. Other companies that have secured approved weapons sales include Northrop Grumman, which provides spare parts for jet fighters; Lockheed Martin, a supplier of precision missiles; and General Dynamics, a provider of 120mm shells for Israel's Merkava tanks. Israel's Eitan armored fighting vehicles are equipped with a hull from Wisconsin-based Oshkosh and an engine made by Rolls-Royce's U.S. unit in Michigan. Caterpillar's D9 armored bulldozers have been ubiquitous in Gaza. Oshkosh said an Israeli order of tactical vehicles had extended the lifespan of a production line that was due to shut last year. The Trump administration is seeking congressional approval to sell $6 billion in weapons to Israel, including a $3.8 billion deal for Boeing's Apache helicopters.