US Approves Major New Arms Sales Worth $15.67 Billion: Israel and Saudi Arabia Equipment Packages Advance Regional Defense

State Department Friday approved $15.67 billion in sales to Israel ($6.67 billion) and Saudi Arabia ($9 billion), demonstrating the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening Middle Eastern allies. The authorizations were announced publicly late Friday after congressional notification earlier in the day, coming amid complex regional dynamics including ongoing Gaza ceasefire implementation and escalating tensions regarding potential U.S. military operations against Iran.
Equipment includes helicopters, vehicles, and defense systems designed to modernize allied capabilities. 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. 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 existing equipment.
Saudi Arabia’s $9 billion investment focuses entirely on air defense, acquiring 730 Patriot missiles and related equipment. The State Department indicated this will improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region, while protecting land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies and significantly improving the integrated air and missile defense system.
Congressional questions about oversight emerged from Democratic leadership, 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.