Israel's Ministerial Committee on Procurement gave final approval for a deal to purchase two new combat squadrons of advanced fighter jets from United States manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The agreement covers a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets from Boeing.

The procurement programme has a budget of 350 billion shekels, equivalent to $119 billion. In December, Boeing was awarded an $8.6 billion contract for Israel that included 25 new F-15IAs and an option for 25 more.

"Alongside immediate wartime procurement needs, we have a responsibility to act now to secure the [military's] edge 10 years from now and beyond." Defence Ministry Director General Amir Baram said the next step is to move forward with finalising the agreements with the US government and military.

Baram linked the procurement to recent military operations. "The continuing US-Israel war on Iran reinforced just how critical the US-Israel strategic relationship is and how essential advanced air power remains." he said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tied the purchase to two military campaigns referenced by their Hebrew operational names. "The purchase reinforces Israel's overwhelming air superiority – a superiority that was demonstrated in Am KeLavi [12-day war on Iran] and now in Shaagat HaAri [ongoing war in Iran]." Netanyahu added, "Our pilots are prepared to reach anywhere in Iranian airspace if required."

Defence Minister Israel Katz said the new aircraft will lead to a technological leap in integrating autonomous flight capabilities and next-generation defence systems and in establishing Israeli military dominance in space. "The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force build-up to ensure air superiority for decades to come." Katz said.

The United States and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28. A ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran has been in place since April 8.