The US has a “longstanding commitment” to Israel’s security, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken argued Tuesday as the administration’s arms transfers to the Israel government come under growing scrutiny.
The top US diplomat stressed that commitment has been consistent across Democratic and Republican administrations. “That policy developed over many years, developed into successive agreements between the United States and Israel, long duration, 10 years in this case, to provide military assistance over that timeframe to about $3 billion a year,” Blinken said at a press conference in Paris.
CNN reported Monday the US is close to approving the sale of as many as 50 American-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel, in a deal expected to be worth more than $18 billion, according to three people familiar with the matter.
“We've been focused on trying to make sure that October 7 never happens again. Having said that, every relationship we have with Israel (is not) just about Gaza, Hamas, October 7. It’s also about the threats posed to Israel by Hezbollah, by Iran, by various other actors in the region — each one of which has vowed, one way or another, to try to destroy Israel,” Blinken said.
The weapons go toward Israel's self-defense, replenishment of stocks and supplies, and deterrence from more conflicts, he argued. He also noted that many of the sales were approved years before the war in Gaza, saying “these complex systems can take years.”
He said “every single” arms transfer happens within policy requirements, adding that President Joe Biden's administration is “going above and beyond the law” to keep Congress apprised.
$18 billion sale of jets: CNN reported Monday the US is close to approving the sale of as many as 50 American-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel, in a deal expected to be worth more than $18 billion, according to three people familiar with the matter.