WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has approved a major new package of arms sales to Israel worth $6.67 billion, the US State Department said late Friday, as tensions remain high in the Middle East and Washington pushes ahead with its Gaza ceasefire initiative.
The approval was made public after Congress was formally notified earlier in the day. The sales come as President Donald Trump advances a plan aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war and rebuilding Gaza following two years of conflict that left the territory devastated and tens of thousands dead.
While the ceasefire has largely held, significant challenges remain in the next stages, including the possible deployment of an international security force and the complex task of disarming Hamas.
Apache helicopters form the largest share
The arms sales to Israel are divided into four separate packages. The largest component includes 30 Apache attack helicopters equipped with rocket launchers and advanced targeting systems, valued at $3.8 billion, according to the State Department.
Another major portion involves 3,250 light tactical vehicles costing $1.98 billion. The vehicles are intended to transport personnel and logistics for the Israel Defense Forces, extending operational supply and communication lines.
Israel will also spend about $740 million on power packs for armored personnel carriers that have been in service since 2008, while the remaining $150 million covers a limited number of light utility helicopters to supplement existing aircraft.
The State Department said the sales would not alter the regional military balance and would strengthen Israel’s ability to counter current and future threats by improving the defense of its borders, infrastructure, and population centers.
“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the department said.
However, the decision drew criticism from senior Democrats in Congress. Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accused the administration of rushing the approvals in a way that sidestepped long-standing congressional oversight practices.
