Reuters quoted a source familiar with the matter as saying that the sale of 25 Boeing F-15 fighter jets to Israel has been considered since the US received it. Official request in January 2023. This request was later increased to 50 F-15s.
A second source said accelerating the aircraft delivery process was one of the top requests of the Minister of National Defense. Israeli Chamber Yoav Gallant.
Mr. Gallant visited Washington last week and held talks with US officials including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
President Biden is facing pressure from foreign partners, human rights groups and some Democratic members of Congress to impose conditions on arms transfers to restrain the war. Israeli attack in the Gaza Strip.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas forces in Gaza has left more than 32,000 Palestinians dead, including many civilians.
An official US officials said the earliest time for aircraft delivery is 2029.
Israel is looking to strengthen its fighter jet fleet not only to continue to deal with Hamas but also to prevent any threat from the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and from Iran.
Sources said the Israeli contract includes 50 F-15 aircraft and training support services maintenance.
Washington provides 3 8 billion USD in support military every year for long-time ally Israel. The US administration has so far rejected calls to condition any arms transfers to Israel even though senior US officials have criticized Israel for the large number of civilian deaths. in the conflict.
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