The United States has officially sanctioned arms sales amounting to $15.67 billion, with $6.67 billion allocated to Israel and $9 billion to Saudi Arabia. This announcement was made by the State Department on a Friday, amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding potential US military actions against Iran.
The arms sales were disclosed after the State Department informed Congress of the approvals earlier that same day. These transactions come as President Donald Trump advances his ceasefire initiative for Gaza, which aims to halt the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and facilitate the reconstruction of the war-torn Palestinian territories.
As part of the Saudi deal, the sale includes 730 Patriot missiles and associated equipment. The State Department emphasized that this transaction is intended to bolster US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the defenses of a key non-NATO ally, which plays a crucial role in maintaining political stability and fostering economic growth in the Gulf Region. The enhanced military capabilities are expected to protect not only Saudi land forces but also those of the United States and regional allies, thus significantly contributing to the integrated air and missile defense framework in the area.
For Israel, the arms sales are divided into four separate packages. The largest component consists of 30 Apache attack helicopters, equipped with advanced targeting systems and rocket launchers, totaling approximately $3.8 billion. Additionally, the agreement includes 3,250 light tactical vehicles, which will facilitate the movement of personnel and logistics for the Israel Defense Forces, costing around $1.98 billion. Furthermore, Israel is set to invest an additional $740 million in power packs for older armored personnel carriers that have been operational since 2008. The remaining $150 million will be allocated to a limited number of light utility helicopters, complementing existing equipment.
In nearly identical statements regarding the sales to Israel, the State Department reassured that these new arms transactions would not disrupt the military balance in the region. They asserted that these sales would enhance Israel”s capabilities to confront current and future threats, thereby improving its defense of borders, critical infrastructure, and civilian populations. The department reiterated its commitment to Israel”s security, underscoring the importance of supporting Israel in developing a resilient self-defense capacity, which aligns with US national interests.
This report is derived from a third-party syndicated feed and reflects the latest developments in US arms sales amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.
