President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Washingtonpost
The Biden administration has approved a deal to sell F-15 fighters, air-to-air missiles, and ammunition to Israel, though most of these supplies will not arrive until 2026.
Amid the protracted conflict between Israel and Gaza, President Joe Biden’s administration has approved a significant arms sale to Israel totaling approximately $20 billion. The deal is expected to be implemented over several years, with most deliveries beginning no earlier than 2026.
Details of the Deal
According to a notification sent to Congress, the arms package includes:
- F-15 fighters.
- 120mm tank ammunition.
- Tactical vehicles.
- AMRAAM missiles.
- Mortars.
Delivery Timelines
Tactical vehicles and around 50,000 mortar rounds are expected to be delivered starting in 2026. Next year, over 32,000 120mm tank rounds will arrive in Israel. The F-15 fighters and supplies for modifying Israel’s existing fighters are expected to start arriving in 2029, costing approximately $18.82 billion.
US Position
The U.S. State Department affirmed that the arms sale aligns with the goals of ensuring Israel’s security. “The United States is committed to Israel’s security, and it is vital for U.S. national interests to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a strong self-defense capability,” the State Department said.
Ceasefire Negotiations
The announcement of the arms sale comes as hopes diminish for achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Scheduled talks on Thursday, which may take place in Doha, Qatar, or Cairo, are unlikely to yield immediate results.
Escalation of Conflict
Tensions recently escalated following the killings of leaders of militant groups linked to Iran. An Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, and in Tehran, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an explosion.
US Response
The U.S. Navy has dispatched additional ships to the eastern Mediterranean to assist in protecting Israel from a potential Iranian attack. The Biden administration continues to supply arms to Israel amid internal tensions within the Democratic Party regarding Israel’s military actions.
Source: Washingtonpost
