The US government has approved more than $20 billion in new arms sales to Israel, despite pressure on President Joe Biden's administration to end the bloodshed in Gaza.
In a series of notifications to Congress on Tuesday, the State Department said Washington is “committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.”
The main part of the package, worth about $18.8 billion, consists of 50 new F-15IA fighter jets and the upgrade of 25 of the aircraft already in service. Israel also intends to buy Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) for the jets, nearly 33,000 120mm tank cartridges, up to 50,000 high-explosive mortars, and new military cargo vehicles.
The State Department said the proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region” and will have “no adverse impact on US defense readiness.”
Most of the proposed weapons sales are long-term deals, but the announcement comes amid fears that the war in Gaza could spill over into a broader Middle East conflict. After the killing in Iran of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh – who was the militant group’s chief negotiator in indirect Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel – and top Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, in late July, both Tehran and Hezbollah have threatened retaliation against the Jewish state.
The killings have sparked concerns of a full-blown war between Iran and Israel. On Monday, the leaders of France, Germany, and the UK jointly called on Iran and its allies “to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions.”
Hostilities broke out after Hamas launched a surprise incursion into southern Israel last October, resulting in the deaths of around 1,100 people and the taking of 200 hostages. The Israeli response has claimed at least 39,800 lives, according to Palestinian health officials.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has reportedly felt increasing pressure from the Biden administration to end the war amid growing international concern over Israel’s methods of warfare. While it would take years for the newly approved weapons to actually reach Israel, according to Axios, the announcement may help deflect pre-election criticism from Republicans that the Biden-Harris administration does not provide sufficient support to Israel.