US Approves $15.67 Billion Arms Sales to Israel, Saudi Arabia

The United States has approved arms sales totaling $6.67 billion to Israel and $9 billion to Saudi Arabia, the State Department announced late Friday, as regional tensions escalate amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and concerns over potential military action against Iran.

The sales to Israel, notified to Congress earlier in the day, consist of four separate packages designed to bolster the country's defense capabilities. The largest component includes 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters equipped with rocket launchers and advanced targeting systems, valued at up to $3.8 billion. Another major portion covers 3,250 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, intended to support personnel movement and logistics for the Israel Defense Forces, at an estimated $1.98 billion. Additional approvals encompass $740 million for power packs to upgrade Namer armored personnel carriers in service since 2008, and $150 million for an unspecified number of AW119Kx light utility helicopters to complement existing equipment.

In statements accompanying the notifications, the State Department emphasized that the transactions align with U.S. foreign policy goals. "The United States is committed to the security of...