The U.S. has approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel, which includes a substantial shipment of fighter jets and advanced air-to-air missiles, as announced by the State Department on Tuesday. Congress has been informed about the forthcoming sale, which involves more than 50 F-15 fighter jets, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), 120 mm tank ammunition, high-explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles. This sale comes amidst concerns that Israel might become entangled in a broader conflict in the Middle East.
However, these weapons won’t reach Israel immediately, as the contracts will take years to fulfill. The majority of the equipment is intended to bolster Israel’s military capabilities over the long term. In a statement, the State Department emphasized, “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale aligns with those objectives.”
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The Biden administration faces the challenge of supporting Israel while responding to increasing calls from U.S. lawmakers and the public to limit military aid due to the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza. Notably, the administration has already delayed the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs amid Israel’s ongoing airstrikes in Gaza’s densely populated areas.
The contracts not only cover the sale of 50 new Boeing-produced aircraft but also include upgrade kits for Israel’s existing fleet of two dozen F-15 fighter jets, equipping them with new engines, radars, and other enhancements. The fighter jets constitute the largest portion of the $20 billion sale, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2029.
