Washington has authorised more than $6.6bn in new arms sales to Israel, even as a fragile ceasefire remains in place following Israel’s devastating war on the Gaza Strip.
In a statement released on Friday, the United States Department of State said it had cleared Israel to purchase a range of US-manufactured weapons systems. The package includes 30 Apache attack helicopters valued at approximately $3.8bn, along with infantry assault vehicles worth about $1.98bn.
According to Reuters, the Apache helicopters will be supplied by Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Additional contracts include a $740m military agreement and a further $150m allocation for light utility helicopters.
Use of Apache Helicopters Draws Scrutiny
Israeli forces have frequently deployed Apache helicopters in operations across the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Gaza health officials say at least 71,662 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its military campaign in October 2023.
Defending the latest approval, the State Department said the United States remains committed to Israel’s security.
“It is vital to US national interests to assist Israel in maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability,” the department said, adding that the proposed sales align with that policy.
Beyond commercial arms deals, the US also provides Israel with billions of dollars in military assistance each year, much of it delivered as aid rather than direct sales.
Renewed Calls to Halt Arms Transfers
Human rights organisations and United Nations experts have repeatedly urged Washington to suspend weapons transfers to Israel, arguing that US-supplied arms have enabled what they describe as a genocidal war in Gaza.
Although a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on October 10, 2025, Israeli military operations have continued in the besieged enclave. Nearly 500 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the truce began, despite the agreement to halt hostilities.
Separate Missile Deal With Saudi Arabia
On the same day, the State Department also approved a separate $9bn arms sale to Saudi Arabia, covering 730 Patriot missiles and associated equipment designed to intercept incoming threats.
The department said the system would strengthen regional air and missile defence, benefiting Saudi Arabia, the United States and allied forces operating in the region.
The announcement comes as Donald Trump said a large US naval force had been repositioned closer to Iran, amid rising tensions and speculation about a potential US strike on Tehran.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier this week that the kingdom would not allow its territory or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran, regardless of the source.
Regional Tensions Persist
The dual arms approvals underscore Washington’s continued military engagement across the Middle East, even as conflicts in Gaza and rising tensions with Iran keep the region on edge. Critics warn that further weapons transfers risk deepening instability, while US officials maintain they are necessary to protect allies and deter wider conflict.