The Wall Street Journal reported that the Donald Trump administration has asked the US Congress for permission to implement a major arms deal worth nearly $6 billion to Israel. The deal is being considered one of the largest military sales in recent years.
According to reports, the package includes 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters worth $3.8 billion and 3,250 infantry fighting vehicles worth about $1.9 billion. However, sources say that not all of this equipment will be delivered to Israel immediately, but will be delivered in stages over two to three years.
According to documents reviewed by the publication, the purchase of weapons will be financed by US military aid funds allocated to foreign countries. Israel, in turn, buys most of its US weapons through this aid, that is, at the expense of American taxpayers.
The US State Department is currently seeking approval from the four House and Senate Foreign Relations Committees — two Republicans and two Democrats — to approve the deal. Normally, major military deals are first approved by committee chairs, before the administration officially notifies Congress and the public.
The sources said the proposal was submitted to the committees about a month ago, before Israel carried out an airstrike on Hamas leaders in Qatar on September 9. An additional request was sent after the incident.
Neither the State Department nor the Israeli Defense Ministry have yet commented on the matter. The White House also did not respond to official requests for comment.
At the same time, analysts say the deal is a sign of Washington’s continued military and political support for Israel. However, the deal could also spark controversy and criticism within the US over the use of taxpayers’ money.
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