The Biden administration is close to approving the sale of 50 American-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel, in a deal worth over $18 billion. This would be the largest US foreign military sale to Israel since the country went to war with Hamas. Along with the F-15s, precision-guided munitions kits are also expected to be sold to Israel. Despite criticisms of Israel’s operations in Gaza, the US continues to support Israel militarily, with over 100 foreign military sales made since the conflict began.
The sale of F-15s is likely to face opposition in Congress, particularly from Democratic lawmakers calling for restrictions on military aid to Israel until more humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza. The sale requires congressional notification, which has already been informally given to key committees. Lawmakers have 30 days to block the sale with a resolution of disapproval, but Congress has never successfully blocked an arms sale in this manner. Concerns have been raised by Democrats over the administration’s continued intelligence sharing with Israel.
Despite growing frustrations among US diplomats over the administration’s reluctance to leverage its influence over Israel, the proposed F-15 and precision-guided munitions sales indicate that restrictions on military assistance are not planned. The new F-15s would not be delivered to Israel for several years. Israeli officials have urged the US to expedite the process. The sale package includes not only the jets but also engines, gun systems, radars, and navigation systems, along with logistical support for training and maintenance.
While the US continues to share intelligence with Israel, concerns have been raised about how that intelligence is being used. Although the US insists it is not sharing targeting intelligence with Israel, sources indicate that once information is shared, there is no control over its use. Some sources believe the US should implement stronger oversight to ensure that intelligence sharing does not contribute to civilian casualties. A provision in an annual intelligence bill before Congress would require reporting on civilian casualties resulting from foreign government operations using US intelligence.
