WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is reportedly seeking Congressional approval for a significant $6.4 billion arms deal with Israel, a move that arrives amid escalating violence in Gaza and growing political tensions in Washington over U.S. policy in the region.
According to sources familiar with the proposal, the package includes:
30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, valued at $3.8 billion, intended to bolster Israel’s aerial combat capabilities.
3,250 infantry assault vehicles, worth approximately $1.9 billion, designed to support ground operations.
An additional $750 million is earmarked for spare parts for armored personnel carriers and power systems.
If approved, this would mark one of the most substantial U.S. military assistance packages to Israel in recent years.
Geopolitical Context and UN Diplomacy
The timing of the arms deal is notable. It comes just before global leaders convene in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, and as the UN Security Council prepares to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli forces have intensified operations in Gaza City.
Reports from the region suggest that displaced Palestinian civilians are increasingly trapped, with no clear path to safety amid continued bombardments targeting what Israel identifies as Hamas infrastructure.
Political Divisions in Washington
The proposed sale underscores a sharp divide in U.S. politics. While former President Trump has consistently supported robust military aid to Israel, Democratic lawmakers are increasingly voicing concern over the civilian toll in Gaza.
In a notable development on Thursday, a group of U.S. senators introduced the first Senate resolution advocating for formal U.S. recognition of a Palestinian state — a symbolic but significant step reflecting changing views within the Democratic Party.
Recent Senate votes also show that more than half of Democratic senators opposed additional arms sales to Israel, citing the need to reassess the U.S. role in the ongoing conflict.
Silence from the White House
The White House has not publicly commented on the arms deal, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal on Friday. The administration’s silence comes as international and domestic pressure mounts for a more balanced U.S. approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
