State Department approved $15.67 billion Friday for Israel ($6.67 billion) and Saudi Arabia ($9 billion), representing substantial American investment in Middle Eastern allied capabilities. The authorizations were announced publicly late Friday after the department notified Congress earlier in the day, coming as President Trump pushes ahead with his ceasefire plan for Gaza while regional tensions escalate over the possibility of U.S. military strikes on Iran.
Equipment spans helicopters, tactical vehicles, and defense systems designed to modernize allied operational effectiveness across multiple domains. For Israel, the package prioritizes 30 Apache attack helicopters at $3.8 billion equipped with rocket launchers and advanced targeting gear, which will enhance the nation’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers according to State Department statements.
The Israeli allocation also encompasses 3,250 light tactical vehicles worth $1.98 billion to move personnel and logistics while extending lines of communication for the Israel Defense Forces, improving operational flexibility and rapid response capabilities across challenging geographic terrain. Additionally, Israel will receive $740 million for power packs to modernize armored personnel carriers in service since 2008, and $150 million for light utility helicopters to complement similar equipment already in Israeli service.
Saudi Arabia’s $9 billion investment focuses entirely on air defense, acquiring 730 Patriot missiles and related equipment designed to protect land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies. The State Department emphasized this will support foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region, while significantly improving the integrated air and missile defense system.
Congressional questions raised about consultation process, with Representative Gregory Meeks stating that the Trump administration has blatantly ignored long-standing congressional prerogatives while also refusing to engage Congress on critical questions. He accused the administration of rushing to announce the deals in a way that would disregard congressional oversight and years of standing practice regarding significant arms sales to Israel and engagement on broader U.S.-Israel policy matters.