US approves billions in arms sales to Israel, Saudi Arabia

From Apache helicopters to Patriot missiles, the US bolsters Middle East allies with new multi-billion-dollar deals

The United States on Friday approved multibillion-dollar weapons sales to both Israel and Saudi Arabia, at a point of high tensions with Iran.

The State Department said it green-lighted a $3.8-billion sale of 30 Apache attack helicopters to Israel, which has agreed to a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.

"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-defence capability," the State Department said in a statement.

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

Also in the package was a $1.8 billion sale of joint light tactical vehicles.

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

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

The State Department also approved a $9-billion sale to Saudi Arabia for 730 Patriot missiles, which are used to defend against incoming attacks.

Israel last year carried out a major bombing campaign against nuclear and other military sites in Iran.

Iran has faced growing pressure after major protests against the clerical state. Saudi Arabia, while no friend of Iran, has voiced caution about an attack on Iran as Gulf monarchies fear instability that could jeopardise their reputation as business havens.

Saudi Arabia, for years, has been considering a historic normalisation with Israel, which increasingly seems distant as the kingdom looks warily at Israel's military campaigns in the Palestinian territories.

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