The United States has approved new arms sales worth around $15.7 billion to its Middle Eastern allies Israel and Saudi Arabia, the State Department announced, amid ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic efforts over conflicts including in Gaza.
Under the agreements, Israel is set to receive approximately $6.67 billion in military equipment, including four separate packages such as 30 Apache attack helicopters with advanced targeting gear and rocket launchers and 3,250 light tactical vehicles, the department said.
The sale to Saudi Arabia, valued at about $9 billion, covers 730 Patriot missiles and associated systems designed to strengthen the kingdom’s integrated air and missile defense capabilities, according to the statement.
The announcements come as tensions persist in the Middle East, including concerns about Iran and ongoing diplomatic efforts tied to ceasefire and reconstruction plans in the Gaza Strip following more than two years of conflict with Hamas.
The U.S. government notified Congress of its approval of the sales earlier Friday, as required by law. The State Department said the packages “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security” of both Israel and Saudi Arabia.
While U.S. officials maintain that the deals will not alter the regional military balance but enhance defensive capabilities, some lawmakers and critics have raised concerns about the pace of announcements and the broader implications of U.S. military support for both countries.
