The Biden administration is reportedly deliberating over an $18 billion arms transfer package to Israel, including a potential sale of dozens of F-15 aircraft, as disclosed by Reuters news agency.
According to Reuters’ sources, the sale of 25 F-15s has been under scrutiny since January 2023, long preceding Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The proposed sale could see the number of F-15s increase to as many as 50. Accelerating the delivery of these aircraft was reportedly a key request from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during his recent visit to Washington, where he engaged in discussions with top U.S. officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
President Biden faces pressure from various quarters, including foreign partners, human rights organizations, and some members of his own Democratic party in Congress, to attach conditions to arms transfers aimed at curbing Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The death toll in Gaza, where health officials report at least 32,845 Palestinian casualties, many of whom are civilians, has intensified these calls.
While House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul approved the F-15 sale on January 30, further steps are required for finalization. The four officers necessary to sign off on arms transfers have yet to do so, despite prior Administration-Congressional deliberations on the matter.
Under U.S. law, significant foreign military sales agreements must be notified to Congress, which retains the authority to block such sales through a resolution of disapproval. However, such resolutions have historically been susceptible to presidential vetoes.
The proposed package for Israel encompasses not only 50 F-15 aircraft but also includes support services, training, maintenance, and sustainment over the jets’ lifecycle, potentially spanning up to two decades, according to sources familiar with the matter.
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