The US administration, led by President Joe Biden, has approved an arms package exceeding $20 billion for Israel. This decision comes amidst ongoing calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, following 10 months of conflict. The arms, which include advanced weaponry and support equipment, will not be delivered immediately, with some items scheduled for delivery by 2029.
The State Department notified Congress of its decision to supply Israel with 50 F-15 fighter jets at a cost of $18.82 billion. This sale also encompasses nearly 33,000 tank cartridges and up to 50,000 explosive mortar cartridges, along with new military cargo vehicles. The addition of these F-15s aims to enhance Israel’s current fleet with upgraded radars and secure communications capabilities.
“The United States remains committed to the security of Israel, and supporting its defense capabilities is crucial to US national interests,” stated the State Department. It emphasized that the tank cartridges would enhance Israel’s ability to counteract current and future threats, bolster homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent in the region.
While Congress retains the authority to block such sales, overcoming the procedural challenges to do so is difficult.
Human rights organizations and some members of Biden’s Democratic Party have voiced strong opposition to continued arms sales to Israel, particularly distressed by the high civilian casualties in Gaza. Recent events underscore the severity of the situation, with a reported Israeli air strike on a school in Gaza, used as shelter by displaced Palestinians, resulting in significant casualties.
Despite these concerns, the Biden administration has stated it has not halted other ongoing weapons supplies to Israel, countering claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of slowed deliveries. The ongoing Gaza conflict, ignited by an attack from Hamas on October 7, has led to substantial loss of life, with Israeli retaliatory actions in Gaza resulting in thousands of deaths, as reported by the territory’s health ministry.
