WASHINGTON — The Biden administration approved the sale of up to 50 F-15 fighter jets, vehicles and ammunition to Israel in a deal valued at more than $20 billion, sending an unmistakable message that weapons will continue to flow despite concerns about Israeli forces’ conduct of the war in Gaza.
Under the terms of the deal, the U.S. would send up to 50 of the Boeing Co. F-15IA jets, along with upgrade kits for 25 other F-15s along with radar and other gear. The U.S. would also send air-to-air missiles, tank and mortar ammunition, and Medium Tactical vehicles. The total deal would be worth up to $20.3 billion. Israel wouldn’t get the new jets until 2029 at the earliest.
Though Congress can still block a deal, Tuesday’s announcement underscores President Joe Biden’s determination to continue to supply Israel the weapons it wants even as criticism grows about civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip. In the months since Hamas fighters attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and killed some 1,200 people, Israeli forces have waged a campaign that’s left nearly 40,000 people dead, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the State Department said.
“Incorporating F-15IAs into the Israel Air Force‘s fleet of fighter aircraft will enhance Israel’s interoperability with…
