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The United States on Friday approved multibillion-dollar weapons sales to both Saudi Arabia and Israel, at a point of high tensions with Iran.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d the State Department said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis proposed sale is consistent with those objectives,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
Also in the package was a $1.8 billion sale of joint light tactical vehicles.<\/p>\n
The United States sends billions of dollars worth of military supplies per year to Israel, largely in aid rather than sales.<\/p>\n
Israel and Hamas reached a US-backed ceasefire in October that largely paused two years of war.<\/p>\n
Tensions are high elsewhere in the region as the United States deploys a major military contingent in waters near Iran.<\/p>\n
The State Department also approved a $9-billion sale to Saudi Arabia for 730 Patriot missiles, which are used to defend against incoming attacks.<\/p>\n
Israel last year carried out a major bombing campaign against nuclear and other military sites in Iran.<\/p>\n
Iran has faced growing pressure after major protests against the clerical state, which has responded by killing thousands of protesters.<\/p>\n
Saudi Arabia has voiced caution<\/a> about an attack on Iran as Gulf monarchies fear instability that could jeopardise their reputation as business havens.<\/p>\n The Trump administration has said that the Gaza ceasefire is now in its second phase, with a focus on disarming Hamas.<\/p>\n Earlier in November, US President Donald Trump said Saudi Arabia was being designated as a \u201cmajor, non-Nato ally<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n The status provides a US partner with military and economic privileges but does not entail security commitments.<\/p>\n The White House also announced the sale of F-35 fighter jets to the Kingdom, however, the jets will be less advanced than those operated by Israel, in line with a US law that guarantees Israel\u2019s military edge in the region.<\/p>\n