In Short
- Biden administration approves $18 billion arms package for US-Israel F-15 aircraft, including over 50 F-15 fighter jets.
- Representative Gregory Meeks initially delayed approval, seeking assurances on weapon types.
- Meeks emphasizes Israel’s right to self-defense against threats from Iran and Hezbollah.
- Ongoing calls for humanitarian efforts and reduced civilian casualties in Gaza.
- Senator Ben Cardin also approves the package following a review.
- The decision follows increased pressure on Biden to restrict arms to Israel amidst the conflict in Gaza.
- Over 37,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began.
- The White House faces pressure from Democrats to impose stricter conditions on funding to Israel.
TFD – The Biden administration has greenlighted its largest arms package for US-Israel F-15 aircraft, valued at over $18 billion and including more than 50 F-15 fighter jets. This significant move, backed by top congressional Democrats, comes amid heightened scrutiny and calls for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
With an estimated value of over $18 billion and comprising over 50 F-15 fighter jets, the Biden administration is set to proceed with what is thought to be the largest arms package for Israel thanks to the support of two influential congressional Democrats.
The top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks, had postponed approving the sale, telling CNN in April that he needed “assurances” on the kinds of weapons from the Biden administration.
In a statement Monday night, Meeks highlighted threats to Israel beyond Hamas in Gaza, saying he remains “supportive of Israel’s right to defend itself against the real threats posed by Iran and Hezbollah” and noted that the planes won’t be delivered to Israel for years.
Regarding this and other arms cases for Israel, Meeks said, “I have been in close contact with the White House and (National Security Council) 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.” “I remain in favor of the administration’s decision to halt some armaments transfers because I am concerned about the ongoing deaths of civilians in Gaza.”
According to a spokeswoman, Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat from Maryland and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, approved the transaction following the review procedure.
Director of committee communications Eric Harris stated, “Any issues or concerns Chair Cardin had were addressed through our ongoing consultations with the Administration, and that’s why he felt it appropriate to allow this case to move forward.”
A representative for the State Department stated, “We do not confirm or comment on proposed cases until they have been formally notified to Congress as a matter of policy.
The deal occurs as Israel is under growing pressure from President Joe Biden to terminate its battle in Gaza against Hamas and other extremist organizations in the wake of the October 7 attacks in Israel. Officials from Biden have maintained that Hamas has been rendered unable of launching another strike of this nature.
Biden vowed to stop providing Israel with arms if it launched a significant offensive in the heart of Rafah. While Israel has steadily increased its operations in Rafah, further displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, the administration has argued those activities didn’t cross the line.
The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that since the start of the conflict, more than 37,000 Palestinians have died.
The White House has been under growing pressure from Democrats to tighten conditions on funding to Israel.
Meeks stated to CNN in April, “I say it is enough of the indiscriminate bombing.” “I don’t want to see more people killed with the kinds of weaponry that Israel must use. Ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid is my goal. I want Hamas to free the captives and I don’t want people to starve to death.
Conclusion
The Biden administration’s approval of the largest arms package for Israel marks a pivotal moment in US-Israel relations. Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza and growing pressure for humanitarian aid, this decision underscores the complex balance of supporting an ally while addressing human rights concerns. As Israel navigates threats from various fronts, the implications of this arms deal will continue to shape regional dynamics. It remains crucial for both nations to work towards reducing civilian casualties and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
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