The State Department announced on Tuesday that the U.S. has approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel, which includes advanced air-to-air missiles and scores of fighter jets.
This deal includes over 50 F-15 fighter jets, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), 120 mm tank ammunition, high-explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles. The sale is part of a strategic effort to bolster Israel’s military capabilities amid growing concerns about potential wider conflict in the Middle East.
Congress has been notified of the sale, but the delivery of these weapons will take several years to complete. The State Department emphasized that this sale supports U.S. national interests by strengthening Israel's self-defense capabilities.
The Biden administration faces the challenge of balancing strong support for Israel with increasing calls from lawmakers and the public to reduce military aid due to the high civilian casualties in Gaza. The administration has already suspended one delivery of 2,000-pound bombs amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes in densely populated Gaza areas.
