Officials in Jerusalem have not officially responded to the sale.
The United States announced Thursday that it will sell $29.4 billion in fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, in a deal the White House said would support more than 50,000 jobs and help reinforce regional security in the Gulf amid mounting tension with Iran.The sale covers 84 new Boeing F-15 fighters with advanced radar equipment and digital electronic warfare systems plus upgrades of 70 older F-15s as well as munitions, spare parts, training, maintenance and logistics.While the sale was previously okayed by Congress, the White House announcement comes at a moment of rising tensions in the Gulf region.Both the United States and Saudi Arabia, which sees Iran as a significant potential threat, are worried over Iran's nuclear program. Iranian officials this week repeated threats to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to mounting US and European economic sanctions.The sale also comes as President Barack Obama prepares to accelerate his campaign for reelection in November 2012, a campaign likely to be fought over the US economy and job growth.A White House spokesman said the Saudi arms sales would give the US economy a $3.5 billion annual boost and help bolster exports and jobs.The Obama administration cleared with Congress more than a year ago the potential sale of more than $60 billion of military hardware to Saudi Arabia over 10 to 15 years, including the F-15s, helicopters and related equipment and services.'US reassures Israel over Saudi fighter jet deal'
Arms deal to Saudis will increase Israeli security against Iranian threat, 'Wall Street Journal' quotes US official as saying.
