US Approves $15.6B Arms Sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia

Washington:

The Trump administration has approved major arms sales to two key U.S. allies in the Middle East — Israel and Saudi Arabia — totaling $15.67 billion, the U.S. State Department confirmed.

The approvals were announced late Friday after the State Department formally notified Congress earlier in the day. The decision comes at a sensitive time as regional tensions increase over the possibility of U.S. military strikes on Iran.

Saudi Arabia Arms Deal – $9 Billion

Saudi Arabia’s package includes 730 Patriot missile interceptors and related defense equipment. The State Department said the sale will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s air and missile defense systems and support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives in the Gulf region.

The enhanced capability is expected to protect Saudi, U.S., and allied forces and significantly improve Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the region’s integrated air and missile defense network.

The announcement followed meetings in Washington between Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman and senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Israel Arms Deal – $6.67 Billion

The U.S. approved four separate arms packages for Israel. The largest portion, valued at $3.8 billion, includes 30 Apache attack helicopters equipped with advanced targeting systems and rocket launchers.

Another major package worth $1.98 billion includes 3,250 light tactical vehicles, intended for personnel movement and logistical support for the Israel Defense Forces.

Additional components of the deal include:

• $740 million for power packs for armored personnel carriers in service since 2008

• $150 million for a limited number of light utility helicopters to support existing aircraft

The State Department stated that the sales will not alter the military balance in the region and are designed to strengthen Israel’s ability to defend its borders, critical infrastructure, and population centers.

Political Response

Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the administration for rushing the approval process. He accused the government of bypassing Congressional oversight and failing to engage lawmakers on key issues related to Gaza and broader U.S.-Israel policy.

The arms approvals come as President Donald Trump advances a Gaza ceasefire plan aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas conflict and rebuilding the devastated Palestinian territory. While the ceasefire has largely held, significant challenges remain, including the deployment of an international security force and the disarmament of Hamas.

The State Department reiterated that the United States remains committed to Israel’s security and considers the arms sales vital to U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East.