US approves multi-billion-dollar arms sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia

WASHINGTON (JN) – The United States has approved new arms sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia worth a combined $15.67 billion, underscoring Washington’s continued security commitments to key Middle East partners amid heightened regional tensions.

The approvals, announced by the State Department late Friday after formal notification to Congress, come at a sensitive moment. The Trump administration is weighing broader regional security challenges, including concerns over Iran and efforts to stabilize Gaza following a fragile ceasefire that has largely halted active fighting.

Together, the packages reflect longstanding U.S. policy aimed at bolstering allied defense capabilities while maintaining what Washington describes as a stable military balance in a volatile region.

Saudi Arabia missile defense package

The largest single element of the newly approved sales is a $9 billion package for Saudi Arabia centered on air and missile defense.

According to the State Department, the deal includes 730 Patriot missiles along with associated systems and support equipment. The department said the sale would strengthen the security of a “Major non-NATO Ally” and enhance the kingdom’s role in regional defense coordination.

U.S. officials said the Patriot system would help protect Saudi territory, U.S. forces operating in the region, and allied partners against aerial threats. It would also deepen Saudi Arabia’s integration into existing air and missile defense networks in the Gulf.

The announcement followed high-level meetings in Washington between Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman and senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The talks focused on regional security cooperation and long-term defense planning.

Saudi Arabia has been a frequent target of missile and drone attacks in recent years, particularly during periods of heightened confrontation involving Iran and its regional allies. U.S. officials have consistently framed missile defense support as a defensive measure rather than an escalation.

Multiple arms packages approved for Israel

The $6.67 billion in approved arms sales to Israel is divided into four separate packages covering air power, ground mobility, and sustainment for existing military platforms.

The largest portion, valued at $3.8 billion, involves the sale of 30 Apache attack helicopters along with weapons systems and advanced targeting equipment. The helicopters are intended to enhance Israel’s aerial strike and close-air support capabilities.

Another significant component, costing $1.98 billion, covers 3,250 light tactical vehicles. The State Department said the vehicles would support troop movement and logistics, helping the Israel Defense Forces extend and maintain operational supply lines.

Additional elements include $740 million for power packs for armored personnel carriers that have been in Israeli service since 2008, as well as roughly $150 million for a small number of light utility helicopters designed to complement existing aircraft already in use.

In separate but nearly identical statements, the State Department said the sales would not alter the regional military balance and were consistent with U.S. policy commitments to Israel’s security.

“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the department said.

Congressional scrutiny and political response

The timing and process of the Israeli approvals drew criticism from some members of Congress, particularly Democrats concerned about oversight and transparency.

Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accused the administration of accelerating the announcement in a way that sidestepped established congressional review practices.

In a statement, Meeks said the administration had “ignored long-standing Congressional prerogatives” while failing to adequately consult lawmakers on broader U.S. policy toward Gaza and Israel following the ceasefire.

Under U.S. law, Congress has the authority to review and potentially block major foreign military sales, though such efforts rarely succeed. The administration maintains that it followed legal notification requirements.

Regional backdrop: Gaza and broader security concerns

The arms approvals come as the White House continues to promote a ceasefire framework for Gaza aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war and laying the groundwork for reconstruction after nearly two years of fighting.

While the ceasefire has largely held, U.S. officials acknowledge that significant challenges remain. These include the potential deployment of an international security force, questions over governance in Gaza, and the complex issue of disarming Hamas.

At the same time, U.S. policymakers are navigating broader regional risks, including the possibility of direct confrontation with Iran and ongoing instability across the Middle East.

Within that context, the administration has framed the new arms sales as part of a broader strategy to deter aggression, reassure allies, and preserve U.S. influence in the region without committing additional American troops.

Long-standing policy, evolving environment

Arms sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia have long been a pillar of U.S. Middle East policy, reflecting strategic alliances that span decades. Israel remains the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. military assistance, while Saudi Arabia plays a central role in Gulf security architecture.

Critics argue such sales risk fueling regional arms races or entangling Washington in future conflicts. Supporters counter that strong allied defenses reduce the likelihood of direct U.S. military involvement.

For now, the newly approved packages signal continuity rather than a shift in U.S. policy, even as the security environment around Israel, the Gulf, and the wider Middle East continues to evolve.