State Department approves arms sales to Israel, Saudi Arabia

John Harney, Bloomberg News on Jan 30, 2026

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has approved the sales of about $6.7 billion of armaments to Israel, including AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and $9 billion for Patriot missiles to be purchased by Saudi Arabia.

The sales, which remain subject to congressional review and negotiations between the buyers and the manufacturers, was announced by the department Friday evening. The weapons systems for Israel also include AW119Kx light utility helicopters and joint light tactical vehicles.

Saudi Arabia has requested 730 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, or PAC-3 MSE interceptors, made by Lockheed Martin Corp., the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement, adding that the sale would enhance the kingdom’s “capability to meet current and future threats by providing advanced air defense missiles as part of an upgraded integrated air and missile defense system.”

The Apaches, made by Boeing Co., are valued at as much as $3.8 billion, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s press release. Israel has requested 30 of the gunships, the agency said.

The light tactical vehicles, made by AM General, will “improve Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing the mobility of its ground forces during operations,” according to the agency.

The sales proceeded despite intense criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

The foreign military sale terms represent the maximum potential quantities of equipment and total value of a possible deal.

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(With assistance from Courtney McBride.)