U.S. Approves $15.67 Billion Arms Sales To Israel And Saudi Arabia
State Department notifies Congress of $6.67B in Israeli and $9B in Saudi arms sales, including 30 Apaches and 730 Patriot missiles.
Overview
The State Department announced late Friday it approved arms sales totaling $6.67 billion to Israel and $9 billion to Saudi Arabia and notified Congress of the approvals, the department said.
The approvals come amid rising tensions over possible U.S. strikes on Iran and as President Donald Trump pushes a Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction plan after two years of war, the State Department said.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement that the Trump administration "blatantly ignored long-standing Congressional prerogatives" in announcing the Israel sales.
The Israeli packages include 30 Apache attack helicopters at $3.8 billion and 3,250 light tactical vehicles at $1.98 billion, plus $740 million for power packs and $150 million for utility helicopters, the State Department said.
The Saudi sale covers 730 Patriot missiles and related equipment and "will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States," the State Department said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources use government-centric, security-focused framing: emphasis on large dollar figures, State Department assurances, and timing with regional tensions to normalize arms transfers. Editorial choices prioritize official statements and military-capability language while marginalizing dissenting perspectives (human-rights and broader congressional scrutiny), producing a pro-defense narrative.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The package includes 30 AH-64E Apache helicopters ($3.8 billion), 3,250 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles ($1.98 billion), Namer Armored Personnel Carrier Power Packs ($740 million), and AW119Kx Light Utility Helicopters ($150 million).
The sale includes 730 PAC-3 Patriot missiles and related support equipment to enhance Saudi Arabia's integrated air and missile defense system.
Rep. Gregory Meeks stated that the Trump administration 'blatantly ignored long-standing Congressional prerogatives' in announcing the Israel sales.
The sales enhance Israel's self-defense capabilities and support U.S. national security by improving Saudi Arabia's air defense, protecting U.S. forces and allies in the region amid tensions with Iran.
The approvals come amid high tensions with Iran, including possible U.S. strikes, a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire after two years of war, and Trump's peacekeeping plan.
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