U.S. Greenlights $20 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department announced its approval of a significant arms sale to Israel, valued at $20 billion. This includes a range of military assets such as advanced fighter jets and air-to-air missiles. The timing of the announcement is notable, as it coincides with upcoming cease-fire talks set to start later this week.

This arms package had been anticipated since April, and Congress has been formally notified. The deal is viewed against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with concerns that Israel may be drawn into an extended conflict in the Middle East.

Among the key components of this sale are up to 50 F-15 fighter jets, as well as 30 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles. Additionally, it will include tactical vehicles, tank cartridges, and high-explosive mortar cartridges.

Despite the scale of the deal, the delivery of these arms will not happen imminently. Estimates suggest that Israel may not receive the first shipments until between 2026 and 2029. Earlier this year, some lawmakers, including Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, voiced intentions to oppose the sale due to ongoing conflicts in the region.

The objective of this sale is to bolster Israel’s long-term defense capabilities. According to a State Department official, the delivery of most of these assets will occur in phases over several years. For instance, the F-15s will be manufactured by Boeing and will require an extensive timeline for complete delivery.

The State Department emphasized its commitment to Israel’s security, stating that it is in the U.S. national interest to support Israel in maintaining a ready self-defense capability. This arms sale aligns with those overarching objectives.

In the context of humanitarian concerns, the Biden administration is walking a fine line. While continuing military support for Israel, there is increased pressure from both the public and lawmakers to reconsider the extent of that support, especially in light of significant civilian casualties occurring in Gaza.

In response to these pressures, the Biden administration has already postponed the delivery of specific weaponry. This includes a suspension on shipping 2,000-pound bombs amidst ongoing airstrikes in heavily populated areas of Gaza.

The arms contracts detailed in the sale cover not just the purchase of new aircraft but also enhancement kits for Israel’s existing fleet of F-15s. This will result in upgrades that include new engines and radar systems. The F-15s constitute the bulk of the financial figure, accounting for over $18 billion of the total package.

The announcement of this arms deal also precedes cease-fire negotiations led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. However, a representative from Hamas has disclosed that they will not be participating in these talks. Their decision stems from a lack of assurances from negotiators regarding Israel’s willingness to address concerns raised in Hamas’ proposal from July 2.

Hamas representative Ahmad Abdul Hadi expressed their commitment to finding an agreement, highlighting their responsibility to protect their people from the impacts of ongoing violence and famine resulting from the war and occupation.

In relation to the arms sale, recent comments from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu suggested a dissatisfaction with the U.S. response to Israel’s military needs during the conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu claimed in a Cabinet meeting that deliveries had significantly declined, adding that he had made multiple appeals to American officials to expedite shipments.

These assertions by Netanyahu came shortly after he released a video statement in English, pleading for a more proactive response from the U.S. in supporting Israel’s operations. The Biden administration has denied these claims of withheld support.