State Department Friday approved $15.67 billion in military equipment sales to strengthen allied capabilities in the Middle East. The dual authorizations for Israel and Saudi Arabia were made public late Friday following congressional notification, coming as the Trump administration navigates complex regional challenges including ceasefire implementation in Gaza and escalating tensions over potential military strikes on Iran.
Israel receives $6.67 billion across four procurement categories designed to modernize operational effectiveness. The package prioritizes 30 Apache attack helicopters at $3.8 billion equipped with rocket launchers and advanced targeting gear, which will enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers.
The Israeli allocation includes 3,250 light tactical vehicles valued at $1.98 billion, which will be used to move personnel and logistics to extend lines of communication for the Israel Defense Forces. Additional funding provides $740 million for power packs to modernize armored personnel carriers operational since 2008, and $150 million for light utility helicopters to complement existing aerial assets.
Saudi Arabia $9 billion package focuses on air defense with 730 Patriot missiles and related equipment. The State Department emphasized this will support foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress, while protecting land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies.
Legislative concerns raised by Democratic congressional leadership, with Representative Gregory Meeks stating that the Trump administration has blatantly ignored long-standing congressional prerogatives. He accused the administration of rushing to announce the deals in a way that would disregard congressional oversight and years of standing practice, while also refusing to engage Congress on critical questions about the next steps in Gaza and broader U.S.-Israel policy.
