This week, the White House is asking Congress to approve an $18 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel, even as the Biden administration ramps up criticism of Israeli airstrikes.
Mr. Biden’s State Department sent notices to two Congressional committees asking them to begin the process of considering the proposed agreement. The deal includes the sale of more than 50 aircraft, as well as munitions and training services, according to the New York Times.
However, US officials told the media that the F-15s would not be delivered for at least another five years.
The F-15 fighter jet already serves as the backbone of the Israeli Air Force. The Israel Defense Forces relies on them as a key deterrent against regional powers like Iran, and has also used them for airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.
State Department responds to official’s resignation over Israeli attack in Gaza
An Israeli Air Force F-15 fighter jet takes off during a graduation ceremony for air force pilots at Hatzerim Air Base in southern Israel. (Reuters)
The agreement comes as the Biden administration increasingly criticizes Israel’s air campaign in Gaza. White House officials have called on Israel to minimize civilian casualties and say Israel is doing everything it can, but White House frustration persists. .
Hamas and Iranian leaders rejoice over ceasefire call, US votes against: “Turning point in destiny”
Those concerns were heightened earlier this week when an Israeli airstrike accidentally killed seven aid workers in the Gaza Strip. The aid workers were participating as members of World Central Kitchen, an international organization tackling the food crisis.
This week, the White House is asking Congress to approve an $18 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel, even as the Biden administration ramps up criticism of Israeli airstrikes. (Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident “tragic” in a statement on Tuesday, adding that Israel was investigating the accidental bombing.
Why neighboring countries in the Middle East do not provide shelter to Palestinians stranded in the Gaza conflict zone
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby had harsh words about the Israeli attack during a White House press briefing on Tuesday, saying the administration was “outraged.”
“I am hopeful that a wide-ranging investigation will be conducted and that it will be done in a swift and comprehensive manner. I look forward to the findings being made public and appropriate accountability being met,” Kirby told reporters. “There is,” he said.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby had harsh words about the Israeli attack during a White House press briefing on Tuesday, saying the administration was “outraged.” (AP/Evan Vucci)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“More than 200 aid workers have died in this conflict, making it the deadliest crisis for aid workers in recent history,” he continued. “This incident is emblematic of a larger problem and evidence of why distributing aid to Gaza is so difficult. But beyond the strikes, it is also clear that the IDF “More must be done to improve dispute resolution processes so that workers can safely evacuate.” ”
Still, Kirby emphasized the need to continue supporting Israel in the war.
“They are still under threat from Hamas,” he said. “We’re going to continue to make sure they protect themselves and make sure that something like October 7th never happens again. That doesn’t mean we’re going to turn a blind eye when something like this happens. doesn’t mean it’s free.”
