The deal, approved by Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Procurement, is a first step ​in a 350 billion shekel ($119 billion) plan to bolster Israel’s military and “strengthen readiness ahead of ​a demanding decade for Israeli security,” it said.

It added that the new squadrons will ⁠serve as a cornerstone of the military’s long-term force development, addressing regional threats and preserving Israel’s strategic air ​superiority.

“Alongside immediate wartime procurement needs, we have a responsibility to act now to secure the IDF’s military edge ​ten years from now and beyond,” said ministry director general Amir Baram, referring to the Israel Defence Forces.

The recent war with Iran “reinforced just how critical the US-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains,” he added.

Under the deal, ​Israel would buy a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter ​jets from Boeing.

In December, Boeing was given an $8.6 billion contract for Israel, including 25 new F-15IAs and an option for 25 ‌more.

Baram ⁠said the next step would be to move forward with finalising the agreements with the US government and military counterparts.

The US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28, but a ceasefire has been in place since April 8.

The US navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said ​the Iranian conflict demonstrated the ​air force’s power and ⁠its decisive role in protecting Israel.

“The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to ​come,” he said.

Israeli aircraft have also attacked Hamas in Gaza and ​Hezbollah in ⁠Lebanon.

Katz said the new aircraft would lead to a significant technological leap in integrating autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defence systems, and establishing Israeli military dominance in space.

“Our mission ⁠is ​clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength ​to operate anywhere, at any time,” Katz said.

“We will continue to invest, to grow stronger, and to stay ahead of our enemies — ​to keep Israel secure today and in the future.”