US approves major new arms sales to Israel, Saudi ArabiaAP, WASHINGTONThe administration of US President Donald Trump has approved a massive new series of arms sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia totaling US$6.67 billion and US$9 billion respectively. The US Department of State announced the sales late on Friday, as tensions rise in the region over the possibility of US military strikes on Iran. They were made public after the department notified the US Congress of its approval of the sales earlier the same day. The sales to Israel are split into four separate packages, with one for 30 Apache attack helicopters, and related equipment and weapons, and another for 3,250 light tactical vehicles. “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” it added.
