The US wants to supply Israel with weapons worth 18 billion dollars
The administration of US President Joe Biden plans to increase the supply of weapons to Israel and allocate an aid package of 18 billion dollars. This support includes 25 Boeing F-15 aircraft. If the decision is approved, the total number of aircraft in Tel Aviv's arsenal will be increased to 50.
The administration of US President Joe Biden plans to increase the supply of weapons to Israel and allocate an aid package of 18 billion dollars. This support includes 25 Boeing F-15 aircraft, Reuters reports, citing sources.
Israel's request for fighter jets has been pending since January 2023, when the U.S. received its official request. The sale brings the total number of aircraft in Tel Aviv 's arsenal to 50.
One agency source said the Biden administration supported Israel's request. Republican House Speaker Michael McCaul also said he supports the delivery of the aircraft to Tel Aviv.
"Discussions between the administration and Congress regarding the F-15 have already taken place," the sources told the publication. According to the agency, speeding up the delivery of aircraft was one of the main demands of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, who visited Washington last week and held talks with US officials.
One of the Reuters sources said that the earliest time the planes could be delivered would be 2029 , and that this official message would be sent to Congress immediately for immediate approval.
The decision to allocate aid may further damage the reputation of US President Joe Biden. Politicians from foreign partners, human rights groups and Democratic colleagues in Congress are calling for stronger arms transfer conditions to limit Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. is facing pressure.
Israel, meanwhile, is looking to bolster its fleet of fighter jets for its ongoing fight against Hamas and the Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
US law requires Congress to notify major deals involving the sale of foreign military equipment. Lawmakers also have the power to block such sales based on human rights violations or other concerns .