US Approves Major New Arms Sales Worth $15.67 Billion: Israel and Saudi Arabia Receive Authorization in Historic Defense Package

Friday authorization totals $15.67 billion for Israel ($6.67 billion) and Saudi Arabia ($9 billion), marking a major expansion of American military commitments in the Middle East. The State Department made the announcements public late Friday following congressional notification, with the timing reflecting ongoing regional challenges including Gaza ceasefire implementation and escalating tensions over potential confrontation with Iran.
Equipment spans helicopters, vehicles, and defense systems designed to enhance allied capabilities across multiple operational domains. Israel’s package prioritizes 30 Apache attack helicopters worth $3.8 billion equipped with rocket launchers and advanced targeting gear, 3,250 light tactical vehicles valued at $1.98 billion for personnel and logistics movement, $740 million in power pack upgrades for armored personnel carriers, and $150 million for light utility helicopters.
The State Department emphasized in statements that these acquisitions will enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend Israel’s borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers, while noting that none of the new sales would affect the military balance in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s $9 billion targets air defense exclusively through 730 Patriot missiles and supporting infrastructure, designed to protect land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies while significantly improving the kingdom’s contribution to the integrated air and missile defense system safeguarding the Gulf Region.
Congressional concerns raised by Democratic leadership challenging the expedited process and limited consultation. Representative Gregory Meeks, ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accused the Trump administration of rushing to announce the deals in a way that would disregard congressional oversight and years of standing practice, while blatantly ignoring long-standing congressional prerogatives and refusing to engage Congress on critical questions about the next steps in Gaza and broader U.S.-Israel policy.