US approves $6.5 billion in potential military sales to ‘Israel’

• The US State Department has authorized over $6.5 billion in military sales to ‘Israel’, including $3.8 billion for AH-64E Apache Helicopters and nearly $2 billion for high-mobility Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs).
• The deal, which also includes a third $740 million contract for undisclosed systems, has faced no immediate congressional objections, signaling continued bipartisan backing for ‘Israel's’ military modernization.

The United States State Department has approved potential military sales to 'Israel' exceeding $6.5 billion, as announced by the Pentagon today.

The total value reached approximately $6.52 billion.

"The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability," the State Department said in a statement.

"This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives," it said.

The first contract involves the sale of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and associated equipment, valued at an estimated $1.98 billion.

These vehicles are designed for high mobility and protection in combat environments, replacing older models in ‘Israel's’ military - with AM General LLC serving as the principal contractor for this deal.

The second contract pertains to 30 AH-64E Apache Helicopters, with a projected cost of $3.8 billion.

Boeing and Lockheed Martin are the designated contractors responsible for production and delivery.

A third contract, valued at $740 million, has also been approved, though specific details regarding the equipment or systems involved were not disclosed in the Pentagon's statements.

No immediate objections from Congress were reported as of the announcement date, reflecting bipartisan support for sale to ‘Israel’.

The United States sends billions of dollars worth of military supplies per year to Israel, largely in aid rather than sales.

‘Israel’ and Hamas reached a US-backed ceasefire in October that largely paused two years of ‘Israeli’ assault.

Tensions are high elsewhere in the region as the United States deploys a major military contingent in waters near Iran.

The Trump administration has said that the Gaza ceasefire is now in its second phase, with a focus on disarming Hamas.