US Approves More Than $15 Billion in Arms Sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Tensions

The State Department said the sales wouldn’t affect the military balance in the region but would enhance Israel’s ability to protect itself.

A US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter flies past during the joint multinational exercise Garuda Shield 2025 at the Baturaja combat training center in Lampung, Indonesia, on Sept. 3, 2025. Perdiansyah/AFP via Getty Images

The United States has approved major arms sales to Israel worth $6.67 billion and to Saudi Arabia valued at $9 billion, bolstering defenses for key allies as tensions with Iran persist and a fragile cease-fire holds in Gaza.

The State Department announced the approvals late on Jan. 30 after notifying Congress earlier that day. The packages aim to enhance security in the Middle East, where the Trump administration is pushing for Gaza reconstruction following a two-year war that killed tens of thousands.

For Israel, the sales include four packages: 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters with related equipment for $3.8 billion; 3,250 joint light tactical vehicles for $1.98 billion; power packs for Namer armored personnel carriers at $740 million; and AW119Kx light utility helicopters for $150 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the primary body overseeing the sales, said these will improve Israel’s border defense and infrastructure protection without altering the region’s military balance.

“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 State Department said in its notification.

The Saudi package involves 730 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement missiles and support equipment. The DSCA said the sale will protect U.S., Saudi, and allied forces while strengthening integrated air defenses in the Gulf.

“This enhanced capability will protect land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies and will significantly improve Saudi Arabia’s contribution” to the integrated air and missile defense system in the region, the State Department said.

The DSCA described Israel’s helicopter package as supporting “current and future threats.” For Saudi Arabia, the agency said the Patriot missiles address ”ongoing threats” in the region.

The approvals occur amid Trump’s Gaza cease-fire plan, which includes completely disarming Hamas. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman recently met U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to discuss cooperation.

In November 2025, Trump announced plans to sell F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, part of a defense package including nearly 300 U.S.-made tanks. The deal was part of $270 billion in business deals signed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit, covering energy, artificial intelligence, finance, and aerospace.

The State Department said the sales wouldn’t affect the basic military balance in the region but would “enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend Israel’s borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers.”

“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 statement said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report