Israel Urges US to Approve F-15 Sale to Egypt Amidst China Concerns
Israel is actively lobbying the United States to approve a sale of advanced F-15 fighter jets to Egypt. This diplomatic push comes as Cairo strengthens its military ties with Beijing, including the introduction of Chinese fighter jets near the Suez Canal. Jerusalem views the deepening Egypt-China military relationship as a significant strategic threat, particularly concerning China's growing military presence in the Middle East.
Israel's concern stems from Egypt's recent strategy of diversifying its military partnerships, which has led to increased cooperation with China. This includes joint military exercises like "Nesters of Civilization" in 2025 and 2026, featuring advanced Chinese aircraft such as the J-10C and J-16. Foreign sources also report ongoing negotiations for Chinese radar systems and aircraft, raising alarms in both Jerusalem and Washington about a potential new Cold War dynamic.
The push for the F-15 sale is also influenced by Egypt's past difficulties in upgrading its air force. The U.S. has previously refused to sell advanced F-35 jets, and a large deal for Russian Su-35 aircraft was reportedly scuttled by U.S. sanctions threats. The current F-15 deal has faced delays in the U.S. Congress due to human rights concerns and the need to maintain Israel's qualitative military edge, as mandated by U.S. law. Any approved sale would likely include strict technological limitations.
Israeli decision-makers believe it is preferable for Egypt to acquire Western, U.S.-made military hardware, which comes with controlled limitations and ensures continued U.S. influence through maintenance and software dependencies. This approach is seen as a way to counter China's expanding military and technological footprint in the region, especially around the strategic Suez Canal, while also reinforcing the peace treaty with Egypt.
The decision now rests with the Biden administration and the Pentagon, who must decide whether to expedite the F-15 sale or allow bureaucratic delays that could further open the door for Chinese influence. Meanwhile, regional tensions persist, highlighted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's recent visit to Cairo amidst escalating Houthi activity in Yemen, which has impacted global shipping and caused Egypt significant economic losses in Suez Canal revenues.
