US Greenlights Major Arms Deal with Israel and Saudi Arabia
The United States has officially approved a substantial arms sale exceeding ₹15.67 billion to two key Middle Eastern allies: Israel and Saudi Arabia. This significant military transaction was confirmed by the US State Department, occurring against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions and the potential for US military action against Iran.
Details of the Arms Sales
According to official press statements, the breakdown of the sales is as follows:
- Israel: Receiving military equipment valued at $6.67 billion.
- Saudi Arabia: Purchasing arms worth $9 billion.
The State Department issued separate but nearly identical statements regarding the sale to Israel. It emphasized that these new transactions would not disrupt the existing military equilibrium in the region. Instead, they are designed to “enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend Israel’s borders, vital infrastructure, and population centres.”
The statement further reinforced the US commitment, noting, “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.”
Saudi Arabia's Advanced Missile System Purchase
For Saudi Arabia, the sale includes the acquisition of 730 PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missiles and associated equipment. The State Department described this as the most mature hit-to-kill weapon system, which will “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region.”
The PAC-3 system is reported to provide simultaneous air and missile defence capabilities. This enhanced defensive power is expected to protect the land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and allied nations in the area. It will also “significantly improve Saudi Arabia’s contribution” to the integrated air and missile defence network operating throughout the region.
This announcement followed a meeting between Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman and top officials from the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Context and Regional Implications
According to reports from The Associated Press, these weapon sales coincide with US President Donald Trump's active push for a ceasefire plan in Gaza. This initiative aims to conclude the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict and initiate the reconstruction of the Palestinian territory, which has suffered extensive devastation and significant loss of life over two years of warfare.
While the ceasefire has largely been maintained, substantial challenges lie ahead in its subsequent phases. These include the deployment of an international security force to oversee the agreement and the complex process of disarming Hamas.
The timing of these arms sales underscores the intricate balance of power and diplomacy in the Middle East, as the United States seeks to bolster its allies' defences while navigating delicate peace efforts and managing tensions with Iran.
