In a significant development, the United States has approved two major arms deals with Israel and Saudi Arabia, valued at $6.67 billion and $9 billion, respectively. The approvals were cleared by the US State Department late Friday, 30th January, 2026, coinciding with the Trump administration’s peacekeeping efforts in Gaza and rising tensions with Iran.
Under the deal, Israel will receive a substantial defence package that includes 30 Apache attack helicopters equipped with rocket launchers, along with 3,250 light tactical vehicles, armored personnel carrier power packs, and light utility helicopters. According to a Fox News report, the US said the sale would strengthen Israel’s ability to defend its borders, infrastructure, and population centres against current and future threats, reaffirming Washington’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.
Saudi Arabia’s package includes 730 Patriot missiles and related equipment, aimed at enhancing the kingdom’s air defence capabilities. The State Department said the sale supports US foreign policy and security objectives by strengthening a key non-NATO ally and promoting stability in the Gulf region.
The deals come amid escalating US-Iran tensions. While Saudi Arabia has publicly ruled out allowing its airspace to be used against Iran, reports suggest a shift in tone. Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman recently warned in Washington that failure to act on Iran could embolden Tehran, marking a departure from Riyadh’s earlier de-escalation stance.
