President Donald Trump plans to sell U.S.-made weapons to Israel in a deal valued at approximately $6 billion, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the possible transaction.
The potential deal includes several major defense items, such as 30 AH-64 Apache helicopters and 3,250 infantry assault vehicles. However, one source indicated that the weapons’ delivery is not expected to occur until two to three years after receiving congressional approval.
As a foreign military sale, the deal will only proceed if it is approved by House and Senate foreign relations committee leaders. After gaining the necessary signatures, the Trump administration must notify Congress and the public. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program is a form of security assistance the president provides to allies needing defense technologies to strengthen the security of the United States and its partners.
The proposal was initially submitted to lawmakers before Israel’s strike in Qatar on Sept. 9 but continues to advance despite heightened tensions in the region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated during his recent visit to Jerusalem that the White House is committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict while expressing support for Israel.
The reported FMS deal with Israel occurs as the United States continues to supply the Middle Eastern nation with essential resources and growing instability in the region. In July, Israel received approval for its request to acquire Boeing-made munition guidance equipment.