Pentagon authorized approximately $16 billion in transfers to Israel and Saudi Arabia Friday, demonstrating the Trump administration’s ongoing commitment to maintaining allied military superiority in the Middle East. The State Department’s announcement came late Friday following congressional notification, with officials emphasizing that the sales support foreign policy objectives and strengthen regional partners during a turbulent period marked by ongoing ceasefire implementation in Gaza and mounting concerns about potential Iranian confrontation.
Israeli allocation includes multiple equipment categories totaling $6.67 billion, designed to enhance operational capabilities across diverse mission requirements. The largest component involves 30 Apache attack helicopters worth $3.8 billion, which will be equipped with rocket launchers and advanced targeting gear to provide Israeli Defense Forces with superior precision strike capabilities and improved surveillance capacity for border defense and counterterrorism operations.
The Israeli procurement also features 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, improving operational reach and flexibility across challenging terrain. Additional purchases include $740 million for power packs to modernize armored personnel carriers operational since 2008, ensuring continued effectiveness of existing platforms, and $150 million for light utility helicopters to complement similar equipment already in service.
Saudi package focuses on air defense at $9 billion, specifically 730 Patriot missiles and supporting systems designed to enhance protection against airborne threats. The State Department indicated this enhanced capability will protect land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies, while significantly improving Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the integrated air and missile defense system in the region, supporting a major non-NATO ally.
Democratic lawmakers challenge procedures, with the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s ranking member stating that the Trump administration has blatantly ignored long-standing congressional prerogatives. Representative Gregory Meeks accused the administration of rushing to announce the deals for Israel 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.