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Biden Admin Advances $18 Billion F-15 Fighter Jet Sale to Israel Amid Congressional Debate
Edited by: Fern Sidman
The Biden administration’s plan to sell $18 billion worth of F-15 fighter jets to Israel is moving forward, following the approval of two previously hesitant top Democratic lawmakers, as was reported by The New York Times on Tuesday. This significant arms deal, one of the largest U.S. arms sales to Israel in recent years, had faced opposition due to concerns about Israel’s military tactics in Gaza.
Representative Gregory W. Meeks of New York, the leading Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, had initially opposed the transfer, citing Israel’s actions during its military campaign in Gaza. However, Meeks has now lifted his hold on the deal. He emphasized that the delivery of the F-15 fighter jets would take years and expressed support for the Biden administration’s decision to delay the sale of other munitions to Israel. According to the NYT report, in a statement, Meeks said, “I have been in close touch with the White House and National Security Council about this and other arms cases for Israel, and have repeatedly urged the administration to continue pushing Israel to make significant and concrete improvements on all fronts when it comes to humanitarian efforts and limiting civilian casualties.”
Similarly, Senator Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland, the Democratic chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, who had delayed his approval but had not publicly blocked the deal, has also agreed to proceed, the NYT reported. Cardin’s decision, alongside the support of top Republicans who had endorsed the plan months ago, effectively clears the path for the sale.
With the informal consultation process with Congress now concluded, the State Department is set to formally notify Congress of the sale, which is the final procedural step before the deal can be officially sealed. The information provided in the NYT report indicated that although the State Department declined to comment on the specific arms orders, including the timing of the formal notification, the advancement of the deal signifies a critical juncture in U.S.-Israel defense relations.
The sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel is a significant aspect of the U.S.’s longstanding strategic partnership with Israel, aimed at bolstering Israel’s defense capabilities in a volatile region. The F-15 jets, known for their advanced technology and combat efficiency, are expected to enhance Israel’s air superiority.
However, the sale has not been without controversy. Critics, including human rights organizations and some members of Congress, have expressed concerns about the potential use of these advanced weapons in conflicts that could result in high civilian casualties, as per the NYT report. This apprehension has been heightened by recent military operations in Gaza, where Israel’s tactics have come under scrutiny for causing significant civilian harm.
The Biden administration has attempted to balance these concerns with its commitment to Israel’s security. By delaying the sale of other munitions and engaging in continuous dialogue with Israeli officials about humanitarian considerations, the administration aims to ensure that Israel takes steps to mitigate civilian casualties and improve humanitarian conditions in conflict zones, according to the NYT report.
The approval of this arms deal comes at a time of complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. The U.S. continues to navigate its relationships with key regional players, including Israel, while addressing broader strategic interests such as countering Iranian influence and supporting peace initiatives. The sale of F-15 fighter jets underscores the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.
Historically, congressional approval for arms sales to Israel has been almost automatic, reflecting the deep strategic and political ties between the two nations. However, recent months have seen a shift in this dynamic, driven by growing concerns among U.S. lawmakers about Israel’s military conduct, particularly in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, as was indicated in the NYT report.
Representative Gregory W. Meeks, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, was vocal in his opposition, expressing frustration with Israel’s military tactics that have allegedly resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and exacerbated a purported humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In an April interview with CNN, Meeks articulated his concerns, stating, “I don’t want the kinds of weapons that Israel has to be utilized, to have more death. I want to make sure that humanitarian aid gets in. I don’t want people starving to death. And I want Hamas to release the hostages,” as was reported by the NYT. His stance indicated a growing willingness among Democrats to leverage arms sales as a means to influence Israeli policy.
Despite his earlier opposition, Meeks recently decided to lift his hold on the arms sale, a move that many see as a stark reversal. This decision came after considerable pressure from the Biden administration and ongoing discussions with the White House and National Security Council. While Meeks did not explicitly state whether he received the assurances he sought regarding Israel’s humanitarian efforts and tactics, his decision underscores the complex interplay between congressional oversight and executive branch diplomacy, as was noted in the NYT report.
Senator Cardin of Maryland also agreed to move forward with the sale. Cardin had delayed his approval but had not publicly opposed the deal. Indicated in the NYT report was that his decision, along with Meeks’ reversal, paves the way for the State Department to formally notify Congress, the final procedural step before the sale can proceed.
Secondly, the congressional debate over this sale reflects a broader shift within the Democratic Party. Increasingly, Democratic lawmakers are willing to scrutinize and potentially condition arms sales to Israel based on its military conduct and humanitarian considerations, as was said in the NYT report. This marks a departure from the historically bipartisan and largely unconditional support for Israeli defense needs.
The State Department provided informal notification of the proposed F-15 sale to two key congressional committees—the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee—in January, as was affirmed in the NYT report. This informal review process allows committee members to scrutinize the deal, posing questions about how Israel intends to use the aircraft and addressing any concerns.
Both top Republicans on these panels, Senator Jim Risch of Idaho and Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, quickly expressed their approval. Their support reflects a consistent Republican backing for bolstering Israel’s defense capabilities.
