US Approves Major Arms Deals with Israel and Saudi Arabia

The United States has approved multibillion-dollar weapons sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran. The US State Department confirmed the approval of a $3.8 billion defense deal with Israel, which includes the sale of 30 Apache attack helicopters, along with a separate $1.8 billion package for joint light tactical vehicles. The approval comes as Israel maintains a fragile US-backed ceasefire in Gaza following nearly two years of conflict.

US officials stated that supporting Israel’s security remains a core national interest, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to ensuring Israel’s ability to defend itself against regional threats. The United States continues to provide Israel with billions of dollars in military assistance annually, much of it in the form of aid rather than direct sales.

At the same time, the State Department authorized a $9 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia, covering 730 Patriot missiles designed to counter aerial and missile threats. The approval reflects growing security concerns in the Gulf region as the US increases its military presence in nearby waters amid escalating tensions with Iran.

Regional instability remains high following Israel’s previous military strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, as well as ongoing internal unrest in Iran. Saudi Arabia, despite its rivalry with Tehran, has expressed caution over any potential attack on Iran due to fears of regional instability that could harm its economic and investment ambitions.

Prospects for Saudi-Israel normalization appear uncertain, as Riyadh remains wary of Israel’s military actions in Palestinian territories. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has indicated that the Gaza ceasefire has entered its second phase, focusing on the disarmament of Hamas.

According to Gaza’s health authorities, more than 71,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s military campaign in the densely populated coastal enclave, underscoring the humanitarian toll of the conflict as diplomatic and military developments continue to reshape the region.