Israeli media reports say that Tel Aviv advancing a number of key deals with the US for new fighter jets, attack helicopters and munitions. The move comes as Israel is engaged in a fierce battle with Hamas in Gaza as well as with other Iran-backed proxies in the Middle East. On Jan. 25, the Director-General of Israel’s Defence Ministry, Eyal Zamir, wrapped up his meetings in the US with Pentagon & State Dept officials.Zamir also reportedly met executives from major US defence companies to discuss the advancement of the military deals.In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack, Israeli officials have assessed a boost in air power is required in light of the current and future threats to Israel. The plan envisions a series of deals worth an estimated tens of billions of dollars to fund four squadrons of advanced fighter jets and two squadrons of attack helicopters.Israel aims to procure a new squadron of 25 F35i stealth fighter jets, a squadron of 25 F-15IA fighter jets and a squadron of 12 Apache helicopters. Reports say that the new squadrons of F-35I Adir stealth fighters will join the two F-35 squadrons the IAF already has. Another two squadrons to be purchased will be new F-15IAs Ra’am fighters that will be modified for the IAF.The decision to seek additional squadrons of 25 aircraft in each squadron is a direct result of the war, Israeli media reports say.