An $18 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets from the Biden administration to Israel is advancing following the approval of two key Democratic lawmakers, overcoming initial resistance. Representative Gregory W. Meeks of New York and Senator Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland, influential figures in Congress, have removed their holds on the deal after expressing earlier concerns about Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Representative Meeks, the leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, had been vocal about his reservations, citing Israel’s conduct during its Gaza campaign. He emphasized the need for humanitarian improvements and measures to reduce civilian casualties in the conflict. “I have been in close touch with the White House and National Security Council about this and other arms cases for Israel,” Meeks said, advocating for continued diplomatic pressure on Israel regarding humanitarian efforts.
Senator Cardin, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, had delayed his approval but had not publicly opposed the sale. His agreement to proceed aligns with the Republican support that had been in place for several months. This approval ends the informal review process, allowing the State Department to formally notify Congress and finalize the sale. The State Department has not commented on the timing of this notification.
This agreement marks a shift in Congress, where the approval of arms sales to Israel has traditionally been routine. Recent months saw increased scrutiny from Democrats, reflecting concerns over Israel’s military tactics against Hamas and the resulting humanitarian impact in Gaza. Representative Meeks’s earlier statements reflected his deep concerns over the use of U.S. weapons in exacerbating the conflict and humanitarian crisis.
“I don’t want the kinds of weapons that Israel has to be utilized, to have more death,” Meeks stated in an April interview, underscoring his apprehensions. He sought assurances on humanitarian aid delivery and the release of hostages by Hamas, though it remains unclear if such assurances were provided to his satisfaction.
The F-15 deal, involving up to 50 aircraft with deliveries spanning several years, may still face opposition from other lawmakers before final approval. The initial informal review began in January, with the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Armed Services Committees being notified. Both panels’ top Republicans, Senator Jim Risch of Idaho and Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, had quickly approved the deal.
A spokesperson for Senator Cardin confirmed that the review process followed standard procedures and that all issues raised had been addressed by the administration, allowing the sale to move forward.
