Official statements from the U.S. Department of Defense or Israeli Ministry of Defense

Biden Administration Lifts All Restrictions on $18 Billion Arms Deal to Israel, Including 50 F-15EX Jets

Jun 18, 2024, 01:56 PM

The Biden administration has decided to lift all restrictions on arms deliveries to Israel, as reported by N12News. This decision follows Hamas's rejection of a ceasefire and a series of discussions between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. has committed to providing extensive military support, including a proposed $18 billion sale of 50 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. This move comes after key Democrats, under pressure from senior Biden officials, approved the arms package. Netanyahu had previously criticized the Biden administration for withholding military aid, arguing that it hindered Israel's ability to defend itself. Blinken assured Netanyahu that the U.S. would expedite the removal of any bottlenecks preventing the transfer of weapons and ammunition to Israel. Netanyahu also invoked Winston Churchill, stating, 'Give us the tools, and we'll finish the job a lot faster.'