Officials acknowledged that the Israeli fuel request as well as other military projects had been blocked by the administration for more than a year. They said the Democratic-controlled Congress has pressed the White House to begin approving Israeli military requests ahead of elections in November 2010.

Over the last two months, the White House has released the export of several Israeli military requests approved by the administration of then-President George W. Bush in 2007 and 2008. This included contracts for an air transport, engines for armored personnel carriers and missile components.

"The government of Israel has requested a possible sale of 60 million gallons of unleaded gasoline, 284 million gallons of JP-8 aviation jet fuel, and 100 million gallons of diesel fuel," the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. "The estimated cost is $2 billion."

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," DSCA said on Aug. 5.

DSCA said Israel would receive three types of fuel for its military. DSCA, which did not identify likely contractors, said the proposed sale would not harm U.S. defense readiness.

"The proposed sale of the JP-8 aviation fuel will enable Israel to maintain the operational capability of its aircraft inventory," DSCA said. "The unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel will be used for ground forces' vehicles and other equipment used in keeping peace and security in the region. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing this additional fuel into its armed forces."

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