In a significant development, two key congressional Democrats have given their approval to allow the Biden administration to proceed with what is believed to be the biggest weapons package for Israel, valued at over $18 billion and including approximately 50 F-15 fighter jets.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, initially delayed signing off on the deal but has now given his approval after receiving assurances from the Biden administration regarding the types of weapons involved.
In a statement on Monday night, Meeks emphasized the threats to Israel beyond Hamas in Gaza, expressing his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran and Hezbollah. He also noted that the delivery of the planes to Israel will not happen for several years.
Senator Ben Cardin, a Maryland Democrat who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also approved the sale after it went through the review process.
The State Department spokesperson declined to confirm or comment on proposed cases until they had been formally notified to Congress.
The sale comes as President Joe Biden is urging Israel to halt its conflict in Gaza against Hamas and other militant groups following recent attacks in Israel. Biden officials have stated that Hamas’s capabilities have been significantly weakened.
Biden had threatened to withhold weapons from Israel if a major offensive was launched in central Rafah. While Israel has increased its operations in Rafah, displacing thousands of Palestinians, the administration argued that these activities did not violate the conditions set forth.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.
Democrats are calling on the White House to impose conditions on aid to Israel to ensure humanitarian efforts and minimize civilian casualties. Meeks stressed the importance of providing humanitarian aid, preventing starvation, and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
