WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. administration led by President Donald Trump has decided to proceed with a new $6.4 billion arms sale to Israel, according to a report by Reuters. The decision comes amidst global calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and ahead of an international conference on the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Citing multiple sources within the Trump administration and the Pentagon, the report confirmed that the proposed new shipment includes 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and 3,250 infantry assault vehicles, or tanks. These weapons are expected to be used in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The value of the helicopters is estimated at $3.8 billion, while the tanks are valued at $1.9 billion. The remaining $700 million of the package is allocated for parts and ammunition for the helicopters and tanks.
The announcement of the sale comes as the Israeli military, under the direction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has recently launched an operation to take full control of the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, following an attack by the Hamas group, which controls the Gaza Strip, that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Since the start of the Israeli operation, more than 62,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with over 166,000 injured.
Over the past two years, the U.S. has repeatedly vetoed six resolutions for a ceasefire in Gaza that were put forward at the United Nations Security Council.
The decision to finalize the arms deal was made just before an international conference on the recognition of a Palestinian state, initiated by France and Saudi Arabia, is scheduled to take place in New York on September 22.
Source: Reuters
