WASHINGTON, Aug 13 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State

Antony Blinken on Tuesday approved the possible sale to Israel

of fighter jets and other military equipment worth over $20

billion, the Pentagon said.

In a statement, the Pentagon said Blinken approved the

possible sale of F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly $19

billion. He also approved the possible sale of tank cartridges

worth around $774 million and army vehicles worth $583 million,

the Pentagon said.

The tank rounds would be almost immediately available for

delivery. The Boeing Co F-15 fighter jets would take

years to produce and deliver.

The U.S. has staunchly supported Israel as its top Middle

East ally prosecutes a war in the Gaza Strip that has devastated

the Palestinian enclave. The war was set off by the militant

group Hamas' Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel.

While approving weapons to Israel, Washington has also tried

to arrange a ceasefire deal in Gaza that would potentially stave

off a wider Middle East war.

Fears of a broader war have increased since the recent

killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah

military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Both drew threats of

retaliation against Israel.