NI Bureau
The United States has approved a $20 billion arms deal with Israel, which includes the sale of numerous fighter jets and advanced air-to-air missiles, as announced by the State Department on Tuesday. Congress has been notified of the upcoming sale, which comprises 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 approval comes amid growing concerns that Israel may be drawn into a broader conflict in the Middle East.
It is important to note that these weapons will not reach Israel immediately; the contracts will take several years to fulfill. The purpose of this sale is to enhance Israel’s long-term military capabilities, with the earliest systems under the contract expected to be delivered by 2026.
“The United States is committed to Israel’s security, and it is crucial to U.S. national interests to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a robust and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale aligns with those objectives,” stated the State Department in its release regarding the sale.
The Biden administration faces the challenge of balancing its ongoing support for Israel with increasing calls from U.S. lawmakers and the public to limit military aid, particularly in light of the significant civilian casualties in Gaza. In response, the administration has already postponed the delivery of certain 2,000-pound weapons due to continued Israeli airstrikes in densely populated civilian areas of Gaza.
Contracts cover not only production of 50 new aircraft by Boeing but also include upgrade kits for Israel to modernize its existing fleet of two dozen F-15 fighter jets with new engines, radars, and other enhancements. The fighter jets represent the largest portion of the $20 billion deal, with the first deliveries anticipated in 2029.
