WASHINGTON, Jan 31 (Alliance News): The United States on Friday approved multibillion-dollar arms deals to Israel and Saudi Arabia, signaling continued support for its key regional allies amid rising tensions with Iran.
The State Department authorised a $3.8-billion sale of 30 Apache attack helicopters to Israel, alongside $1.8 billion in joint light tactical vehicles. The move comes as Israel maintains a fragile ceasefire in Gaza following two years of conflict with Hamas.
“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability,” the State Department said. “This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.”
The helicopter and vehicle package complements billions of dollars in annual US military aid to Israel, which helps sustain the country’s defence infrastructure. Israel and Hamas agreed to a US-backed ceasefire in October 2025, temporarily halting hostilities that have caused massive civilian casualties on both sides.
Separately, the United States approved a $9-billion sale to Saudi Arabia for 730 Patriot missiles, advanced systems used to intercept and neutralise incoming attacks. The deal comes amid heightened regional concerns over Iran, which faces domestic unrest after nationwide protests were met with a deadly government crackdown.
Israel has previously conducted targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, and the US military has deployed a significant presence in waters near Iran, adding to tensions in the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia has expressed caution regarding potential confrontations with Iran, mindful of maintaining regional stability and its reputation as a hub for business and investment.
The current Gaza ceasefire, brokered by the US, is in its second phase, which focuses on disarming Hamas and restoring security to civilian areas.
The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel claimed 1,221 lives on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, according to AFP, including hostages killed in captivity.
Retaliatory Israeli operations have since resulted in the deaths of at least 71,667 Palestinians in Gaza, the territory’s health ministry reported.
The arms sales signal Washington’s continued strategic commitment to regional allies while balancing concerns over escalating tensions with Iran, highlighting the delicate geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
