US considers new arms deal with Israel amid criticism

A new weapons deal with Israel is under consideration by US officials, Politico reported on Monday. 50 F-15 fighter jets, 30 AID-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, and a “number of joint direct attack munition kits, which turn dumb bombs into precision-guided weapons,” are being considered for the American weapons sale to Israel, according to Politico. While the sale is still waiting for US approval, a congressional aide revealed that the Biden administration is very likely approve the sale. Additionally, the US expressed concerns about Israeli plans for an operation in Rafah, emphasizing the need to protect civilians. "Going into Rafah without a plan to protect civilians would be a mistake," US officials said. Politico ends their report by saying that this newly considered arms deal with Israel comes following a Washington Post article that the Biden administration was moving forward with a years-old arms package for Israel. This deal would include additional arms not mentioned in this new deal.