A decision to proceed with a Biden administration plan to sell $18 billion worth of F-15 fighter jets to Israel has been made after Representative Gregory W. Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Democrat of Maryland and the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, signed off on the deal. Meeks, who had initially opposed the transfer due to Israel’s tactics during its campaign in Gaza, has lifted his hold on the deal, citing discussions with the White House about pushing Israel to improve humanitarian efforts and limit civilian casualties. Meeks expressed support for the Biden administration’s plans to delay the sale of other munitions. The final formal step before sealing the deal is for the State Department to notify Congress of the sale.
The decision to move forward with the arms sale marks a significant reversal for Rep. Meeks, who previously expressed concerns about the use of weapons in Israel and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. He had indicated in April that he wanted assurances from Israel about humanitarian aid and the release of hostages before deciding whether to approve the sale of the fighter jets. The sale, one of the largest arms sales to Israel in years, has faced scrutiny from Democrats in Congress who have been increasingly critical of Israel’s tactics during the conflict with Hamas.
The State Department had informally notified the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee of the F-15 order in January, allowing for questions and concerns to be addressed before proceeding with the formal notification to Congress. Both Republican committee heads, Senator Jim Risch and Representative Michael McCaul, supported the sale of the fighter jets. Senator Cardin’s spokesman confirmed that all concerns had been addressed during the regular deliberation process. The final formal notification will now go to Congress, where other lawmakers will have the opportunity to register opposition before the sale is finalized and approved.
Congressional approval of arms sales to Israel has historically been routine, but the recent delay and scrutiny of this particular sale reflect growing concern among Democrats about Israel’s actions in Gaza and a potential shift in using arms transfers to leverage changes in Israeli tactics. The Biden administration’s decision to delay the sale of other munitions, as well as the conversations with lawmakers about improving humanitarian efforts and preventing civilian casualties, have been key factors in securing support for the F-15 deal. The decision to proceed with the sale highlights the complex dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations and the balancing act between supporting a key ally and addressing humanitarian concerns.
Moving forward with the arms sale to Israel comes amidst ongoing conflicts and uncertainty in the region, with tensions between Israel and Palestinian factions remaining high. The sale of F-15 fighter jets represents a significant investment in Israel’s defense capabilities and underscores the importance of U.S. support for Israel’s security. The decision to approve the sale signals a continued commitment to ensuring Israel’s military strength while also addressing concerns about humanitarian crises in Gaza and promoting efforts to reduce civilian casualties. The upcoming formal notification to Congress will provide an opportunity for further debate and discussion among lawmakers before the sale is finalized.
