Latest developments

On August 13, the Biden administration informed Congress that it had approved a major arms sale to Israel valued at over $20 billion. The sale includes F-15IA and F-15I+ aircraft, M933A1 120mm high-explosive mortar shells, 120mm tank shells, and advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles. A White House spokesperson said the sale “will support Israel’s long-term security by replenishing stocks of critical munitions and investing in long-term capabilities improvements.” U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on August 11 to “reiterate the United States’ commitment to taking all possible steps to defend Israel.” U.S. and Israeli officials said Gallant’s visit to Washington in June helped push the purchase forward. However, planned deliveries of the equipment will not begin until 2026.

Expert analysis

“The administration’s approval of these arms sales to Israel is a belated but laudable step. These aircraft, vehicles, and munitions will not arrive for several years, but the announcement itself is valuable at this moment. The announcement underscores America’s support for Israel in the face of the prospect of a complex, multi-front attack from Tehran and its numerous terror proxies. This announcement makes clear once again that the United States is committed to providing Israel with the means to defend itself now and for as long as necessary.” — Bradley BowmanSenior Director of the FDD Center for Military and Political Power

“The majority of the value of the foreign military sales approved by the Israeli government on August 13 is tied to the expansion and modernization of Israel’s F-15 fleet. If this sale goes ahead, it will significantly increase the capability and capacity of the Israeli Air Force. However, the delivery of this capability and capacity will be years away.” — Lydia LaFavor, FDD Research Fellow

Strengthening Israel’s military position

The sale announcement came as the prospect of an Iranian attack on Israel and war with Hezbollah looms ever closer. Even though the planned delivery of the weapons will not begin for two years, the sale signals political support for Israel in the face of a possible major attack by showing that Washington is committed to the Jewish state’s long-term security and qualitative military edge. “The incorporation of the F-15IA into the Israeli Air Force’s fighter fleet will improve Israel’s interoperability with U.S. systems and strengthen Israel’s air capabilities to counter current and future hostile threats, bolster its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent against regional threats,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in an August 13 statement.

The US is also sending significant assets to the region, including an additional carrier battle group and a guided missile submarine. The Pentagon said these troop reinforcements are intended to increase the protection of US forces, defend Israel and “deter aggression by Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah and other groups allied with Iran throughout the region.”

Backlash from Congress

The United States had previously suspended the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs over concerns they could be used in Israeli operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, one of Hamas’ last strongholds. The Biden administration has also pressured Israel to agree to a ceasefire as part of a hostage release deal in Gaza, without achieving Israel’s stated goal of destroying Hamas.

The latest sale followed increasing pressure from Congress on the Biden administration to resume and increase arms sales to Israel. On May 16, the House of Representatives passed the Israeli Security Assistance Support Act, which would prevent the Biden administration from withholding arms from Israel. On May 9, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and 11 other Republican senators introduced a resolution condemning the Biden administration’s arms embargo and calling for the resumption of arms sales. All Republican senators except Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) co-signed the resolution.

“US considers major military package for Israel”, FDD Flash Brief

“How to Make Sure Israel Has the Weapons It Needs,” by Bradley Bowman and Richard Goldberg

“US supplies weapons to Israel – and more to come”, FDD Flash Brief