Trump Administration Seeks Nearly $6 Billion Arms Deal with Israel

Published Time: 09-20-2025, 10:30 EDT

The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of its intent to sell nearly $6 billion worth of advanced weaponry to Israel. The proposal comes as Washington continues to back its key Middle Eastern ally despite international criticism over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

According to U.S. officials, the package includes both helicopters and armored vehicles, marking one of the largest arms sales to Israel in recent years. While deliveries would take several years to complete, the announcement underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining Israel’s military advantage in the region.

Details of the Proposed Arms Sale

The proposed deal includes two major components:

• $3.8 billion for 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters — a purchase that would nearly double Israel’s existing fleet.
• $1.9 billion for 3,200 infantry assault vehicles for use by the Israeli Defense Forces.

The plan, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, was confirmed by multiple officials familiar with the discussions. These individuals, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations, noted that weapons deliveries would not begin for at least two to three years.

Context: Gaza Conflict and International Pressure

The announcement comes at a time when diplomatic efforts to end the nearly two-year war between Israel and Hamas have reached an impasse. A recent Israeli strike on Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar, drew condemnation from several U.S. allies in the Middle East, further complicating Washington’s efforts to broker peace.

International criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza has grown steadily. The International Association of Genocide Scholars recently stated that Israeli operations in Gaza meet the definition of genocide. Meanwhile, Israel has pressed ahead with a new offensive, including plans to seize control of Gaza City.

Reactions from Allies and Regional Partners

Several U.S. allies have taken steps to distance themselves from Israel’s military campaign:

• United Kingdom: Suspended some weapons exports to Israel last year over concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law. More recently, it barred Israeli officials from attending a major arms fair in London.
• Turkey: Announced it would close its airspace to Israeli government flights and block the transport of military cargo destined for Israel.
• Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized Israeli strikes in Gaza, calling them disproportionate.

Despite these moves, Washington has remained firm in its military support.

U.S. Domestic Debate and Congressional Review

In the United States, the proposed sale has fueled political debate. A growing number of Senate Democrats have voiced opposition to the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel. However, the Trump administration has repeatedly signaled its intent to move forward.

Earlier this year, the Biden administration had temporarily paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel over civilian casualty concerns. Upon taking office in January, President Trump reversed that decision, resuming weapons deliveries.

The administration has already approved approximately $12 billion in major arms sales to Israel in 2025, including a $500 million deal in June to replenish precision-guided munitions.

Congress is now expected to conduct its informal review of the new $6 billion proposal before forwarding it to the State Department for formal processing. Such reviews are standard for large-scale foreign arms transfers.

Long-Term U.S.-Israel Defense Partnership

This arms package is part of a broader 10-year U.S.-Israel defense cooperation agreement that is nearing expiration. The deal has ensured Israel receives consistent military aid to maintain its security and strategic edge in the region.

President Trump has also indicated plans to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Washington next week. Discussions are expected to include broader defense cooperation, Boeing aircraft purchases, and negotiations on F-16 fighter jet sales.

Outlook

If approved, the $6 billion sale will significantly bolster Israel’s military capabilities at a time of heightened regional tensions and international scrutiny. While supporters argue the deal strengthens U.S.-Israel security ties, critics warn that it risks deepening divisions both in Congress and among America’s allies abroad.

The coming weeks will determine whether Congress moves the proposal forward or seeks to delay it amid ongoing debate over the humanitarian impact of Israel’s campaign in Gaza.