U.S. considers sale of F-22 to Israel

JERUSALEM, June 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman said he would consider lifting a ban on the sale of the F-22 "Raptor" to Israel.

"I'm a strong supporter of Israel getting all the material and equipment they need. I certainly would look at it," said Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif., said about the possibility of removing the restriction on selling the F-22 stealth fighter jet.

Until now, Berman's panel has blocked the sale of the F-22 to Israel, the Jerusalem Post reported Friday.

"We're trying to lay a foundation for a tougher-minded evaluation of what assistance Israel needs," Berman said.

The F-22 is seen as a major advantage in a potential Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear plants because it can get past the most advanced defense technology, the newspaper said.