More weapons transfers approved as Israel bombs Gaza and prepares for anticipated retaliatory strikes by Iran and Hezbollah.

The United States has approved another $20bn in weapons transfers to Israel, despite concerns that Israeli forces are routinely violating international law in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The State Department announced on Tuesday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had approved the arms sale, which includes dozens of fighter jets alongside tank munitions and air-to-air missiles.

“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defence capability,” the State Department said.

The announcement came as Israel prepares for expected retaliation from Iran and the Lebanon-based group Hezbollah following the assassinations of high-level Hamas and Hezbollah officials which have raised concerns over the possibility of a regional war.

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