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US Approves $6.67bn Arms Sales to Israel Amid Fragile Gaza Ceasefire
The US has approved $6.67bn in arms sales to Israel, including Apache helicopters, amid a fragile Gaza ceasefire, drawing renewed criticism from rights groups over continued military support.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-31
US Approves $6.67bn Arms Sales to Israel Amid Fragile Gaza Ceasefire

The United States has approved $6.67 billion in arms sales to Israel amid a fragile ceasefire in Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, according to a statement released by the US Department of State on Friday.

The approval clears Israel to purchase US-made weapons, including 30 Apache attack helicopters valued at $3.8bn and infantry assault vehicles worth $1.98bn. According to the Reuters news agency, the Apache helicopters will be supplied by Boeing and Lockheed Martin. A separate military contract worth $740m was also approved, while an additional $150m will be allocated for light utility helicopters.

Apache helicopters have been extensively used by Israeli forces in operations in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Gaza health officials say at least 71,662 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023.

In a statement, the US State Department said Washington remained committed to Israel’s security. “It is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the department said, adding that the proposed sale was consistent with those objectives.

In addition to arms sales, the United States provides Israel with billions of dollars’ worth of military assistance annually, much of it delivered as aid rather than commercial transactions.

Human rights organisations and United Nations experts have repeatedly called on Washington to halt weapons transfers to Israel, arguing that US-supplied arms have contributed to civilian casualties and prolonged the war in Gaza.

Although a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10, 2025, Israeli forces have continued military operations in the besieged territory. Nearly 500 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the agreement took effect, raising concerns about the durability of the truce.

Separately, the State Department also approved a $9bn arms sale to Saudi Arabia, which includes 730 Patriot missiles and related defence equipment. The system is designed to intercept incoming aerial threats and bolster regional missile defence capabilities.

“This enhanced capability will protect land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies and will significantly improve Saudi Arabia’s contribution” to regional air and missile defence, the State Department said.

The approval comes amid rising regional tensions after US President Donald Trump said a large “armada” of US warships had been repositioned near Iran in anticipation of a possible military confrontation.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier this week that Riyadh would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for military actions against Iran or for attacks launched by any party.
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