The Biden administration is considering selling $18 billion worth of weapons to Israel
The US administration is considering supplying Israel with billions of dollars worth of US weapons, including dozens of F-15 fighter jets and ammunition. According to the British news agency Reuters, three sources have confirmed that the Biden administration is considering providing a large package of $18 billion in arms transfers to Israel. Sources said that in January 2023, the United States received a formal request, after which Israel is being evaluated for the sale of 25 F-15 aircraft from the Boeing Company.
Another source said the early delivery of the planes was among the top demands of Israeli Defense Minister Yves Gallant, who visited Washington last week. During his visit, he held talks with other US officials including US National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Michael Cowell, chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, authorized the sale on January 30.
Another source familiar with the matter said that the talks between the Biden administration and Congress regarding the F-15 have already taken place, but he added that some of the four offices have signed the weapons transfer document. are yet to be. US law requires Congress to be notified of major contracts for the sale of foreign military equipment.
The Democratic and Republican leaders of the Foreign Affairs Committees are supposed to examine these agreements in an informal review before formally reporting them to Congress. A third source said the Biden administration has expressed support for Israel’s request for the F-15.On the other hand, Washington has expressed concern about a possible Israeli military attack in the southern city of Rafah in Gaza.
Many Palestinians who became homeless after the Israeli invasion have taken refuge in Rafah. After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations. Washington gives its longtime ally Israel $3.8 billion in annual military aid.
Although senior US officials have criticized Israel for civilian casualties, they have not yet resisted calls for an arms transfer. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli Defense Minister Yves Gallant discussed Israel’s weapons needs during a visit to Washington last week. He told reporters that he had stressed to senior US officials the importance of maintaining Israel’s qualitative military superiority in the region, including its air capabilities.
Concerns are rising on Biden’s administration that is selling 18$ billion worth of weapons to Israel. The United States has a long-term relationship with Israel but on the other hand, there are some concerns related to its use, especially in the case of ongoing complexities. In the opinion of some persons such sales could raise tensions in the region as well as play an important part in further violence but some say that Israel’s right to defend itself is to get their rights and to maintain its military capabilities. Ultimately, any decision related to arms sales must carefully consider peace efforts in the Middle East.
