Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y), the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated on Tuesday that he requires “assurances” before consenting to the sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel during its conflict with Hamas.
“I’m waiting for assurances,” Meeks expressed during a “CNN News Central” interview. “When I return to Washington, D.C., I want to ensure that I understand the types of weapons and their intended use.”
“For instance, I believe it’s sufficient for the situation in Gaza,” Meeks continued. “I think that Hamas must release the hostages and there should be pressure on them to do so. I believe that’s what the people in Israel are demanding. I think the indiscriminate bombing needs to stop.”
The Biden administration has been evaluating a potential arms sale to Israel, as reported by The Hill last week. confirmed This report comes as there is increasing pressure on the White House to halt weapon sales to its long-standing ally due to civilian casualties in Gaza. The proposed sale would involve up to 50 new F-15 fighter jets and 30 AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, as initially reported. Politico first reported.
Meeks’s comments come shortly after Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) declared she would take action to prevent the sale of F-15s to Israel following an Israeli airstrike that killed killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza last week.
“I think it's evident that Congress has a duty to act. We have legal tools at our disposal. And as I mentioned, we cannot approve the sale of arms to a country that is violating our own laws in this manner. This includes impeding access to humanitarian assistance,” Warren stated in an interview on “CNN News Central.”
“This is a moral and legal issue. Congress holds responsibility, and I am prepared to shoulder that responsibility,” she added.
The Hill has contacted the White House.
