The Trump administration has approved a $6.67 billion sale of new weapons to Israel and a separate $9 billion arms package to Saudi Arabia, the State Department said. This announcement of arms sales to US allies in the Middle East came at a time when tensions in the region have risen over the possibility of US military strikes against Iran. The decision became public after the Ministry notified Congress of its approval of the sale earlier that day, reports The Times of Israel.
Arms sales and the Gaza plan
The arms sale also comes at a time when US President Donald Trump continues with his plan for a truce in Gaza, which aims to end the conflict and rebuild the Palestinian territory, which has been severely devastated after two years of war, with tens of thousands of dead. Although the truce has largely held, major challenges lie ahead in its subsequent phases, including the deployment of international security forces to oversee the agreement and the process of disarming Hamas.
A series of weapons packages for Israel
The arms sales to Israel are divided into four separate packages, including one for 30 Apache attack helicopters and related equipment and weapons, as well as another package for 3,250 light tactical vehicles. The largest part of the package refers to Apache helicopters, which will be equipped with rocket launchers and an advanced guidance device, and the total value of the package is 3.8 billion dollars, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Republican Congressman Gregory Meeks, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, accused the Trump administration of rushing to approve arms sales to Israel, without adequate congressional oversight and in violation of longstanding practices. Meeks said in a statement that “the Trump administration has blatantly ignored long-standing congressional authority while simultaneously refusing to engage Congress on key questions about next steps in Gaza and broader US-Israel policy.”
Saudi Arabia and Patriot missiles
In addition to Israel, the Trump administration also approved the sale of 730 Patriot missiles and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, which, according to the State Department, “will support US foreign policy and national security by improving the security of a key US ally in the region.” This enhanced capability will significantly increase the security of Saudi ground forces, US troops and local allies, and will significantly enhance Saudi Arabia’s contribution to an integrated air and missile defense system in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he is determined to ensure Israel develops its own strong and independent arms industry, reducing its dependence on US military aid for decades to come. At the same time, Israel is reportedly preparing to negotiate with the Trump administration on a new ten-year security agreement, which should extend US military support, while the Israeli government seeks to free itself from dependence on US subsidies.
