US Approves $15.7 Billion Arms Sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia

The United States has approved a significant new round of arms sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia, the State Department announced late Friday, after formally notifying Congress earlier in the day. The decisions underscore Washington’s continued military support for its Middle Eastern allies at a time of heightened regional uncertainty.

The approvals come as US President Donald Trump advances a ceasefire plan aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, while U.S. officials also weigh the risk of a broader confrontation with Iran. Although the ceasefire has largely held, major challenges remain in its next phases, including the deployment of an international security force and the politically sensitive task of disarming Hamas fighters.

Regional Tensions And U.S. Policy

The arms sales were made public as speculation grows over potential U.S. military action against Iran, adding urgency to efforts to strengthen allied defense capabilities. Trump’s administration has argued that reinforcing partners such as Israel and Saudi Arabia is critical to maintaining deterrence and stability across the Middle East.

The timing of the announcements also reflects Washington’s attempt to balance diplomatic engagement on Gaza with continued military backing for Israel, even as civilian casualties and reconstruction needs dominate international discussions.

What The Approved Arms Packages Include?

According to the U.S. State Department, the newly approved arms sales consist of the following systems and equipment:

Israel – $6.67 billion package

• 30 Apache attack helicopters, equipped with rocket launchers and advanced targeting and sensor systems (valued at $3.8 billion)
• 3,250 light tactical vehicles for transporting personnel and logistics and extending lines of communication (valued at $1.98 billion)
• Power packs for armored personnel carriers that have been in service since 2008 (valued at $740 million)
• An undisclosed number of light utility helicopters to complement Israel’s existing fleet (valued at $150 million)

The Apache helicopters represent the largest single component of the Israel package, valued at $3.8 billion, followed by $1.98 billion for the light tactical vehicles. Additional funding covers vehicle upgrades and supporting aviation assets.

Saudi Arabia – $9 billion package

• 730 Patriot air and missile defense missiles
• Associated Patriot system equipment and support components
• Capabilities designed to strengthen the region’s integrated air and missile defense architecture

The department said the sale would support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally seen as a stabilizing force in the Gulf region. Officials added that the enhanced capability would protect Saudi, U.S. and allied land forces and significantly improve Saudi Arabia’s contribution to regional missile defense.

The announcement followed meetings in Washington between Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman and senior Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“No Impact On Regional Military Balance”

In separate but nearly identical statements, the State Department said none of the approved sales would alter the military balance in the region. Officials stressed that the packages would enhance Israel’s ability to counter current and future threats by improving its capacity to defend borders, critical infrastructure and population centers.

“The United States is committed to the security of Israel,” the department said, adding that assisting Israel in maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability remains vital to U.S. national interests.

Together, the deals highlight Washington’s continued reliance on arms sales as a central pillar of its Middle East strategy, even as diplomatic and security challenges in the region remain unresolved.