The Biden administration’s plan to sell $18 billion worth of F-15 fighter jets to Israel is moving forward after top Democratic holdouts in Congress signed off on the deal. Representative Gregory W. Meeks and Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, who had previously delayed approval of the sale, have now allowed it to proceed. Meeks had originally opposed the transfer due to concerns about Israel’s tactics during its campaign in Gaza, but after discussions with the White House and National Security Council, he decided to support the sale. The sale, one of the largest U.S. arms sales to Israel in years, will take years to deliver, and Meeks has urged the administration to push Israel for improvements in humanitarian efforts and limiting civilian casualties.
With Congressional approval secured, the State Department is now able to move forward with officially notifying Congress of the sale, the final step before finalizing the deal. While Congressional support for arms sales to Israel has historically been automatic, recent concerns about Israel’s conduct in the war against Hamas have created new obstacles. Democrats in Congress have hinted at using their leverage over weapons transfers to demand changes in Israeli tactics. The decision to go ahead with the sale represents a reversal for Meeks, who had previously expressed his opposition to the deal due to concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The F-15 order includes up to 50 planes and will take several years to be delivered. While some lawmakers have already approved the sale, there are still potential hurdles from other vocal opponents who may seek to block the deal. The State Department had informally notified two congressional committees, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, of the F-15 order in January. Both top Republicans on those panels, Senator Jim Risch and Representative Michael McCaul, immediately gave their approval. A spokesman for Cardin said that all concerns had been addressed during the regular review process, allowing the deal to move forward.
The Biden administration’s decision to proceed with the arms sale comes amidst mounting concern and criticism of Israel’s actions in the conflict with Hamas. Meeks, who had been vocal in his opposition to the deal, emphasized the need for humanitarian aid to reach those in need and for civilians to be protected. Despite concerns about the use of the weapons, Meeks did not clarify whether he had received assurances from the administration regarding the sale. As the formal approval process continues, other lawmakers will have the opportunity to voice their opposition or support for the sale, potentially leading to further debate and scrutiny of the deal.
The sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel represents a significant arms transfer that has drawn attention from lawmakers and the public alike. While previous arms sales to Israel have typically been approved without issue, the current political climate has created new challenges and uncertainties. As the Biden administration navigates the approval process for the sale, it must balance competing interests and concerns surrounding human rights, civilian casualties, and the ongoing conflict in the region. As the deal moves forward, it remains to be seen how it will impact U.S.-Israel relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
