Trump administration plans $6.4 billion in weapons sales to Israel, sources say

The planned package includes a deal worth $3.8 billion for 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and $1.9 billion for 3,250 infantry assault vehicles for the Israeli army.

By Reuters and Algemeiner

The Trump administration is seeking congressional approval to sell Israel $6.4 billion in support equipment and weapons, including attack helicopters and troop carriers, people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

Israel’s military said it had expanded operations in Gaza City on Friday and bombarded Hamas infrastructure.

The news of the proposed sale came days before world leaders were set to gather in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly next week, at which the UN Security Council is also due to hold a high-level meeting on Gaza.

The planned package includes a deal worth $3.8 billion for 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and $1.9 billion for 3,250 infantry assault vehicles for the Israeli army.

Another $750 million worth of support parts for armored personnel carriers and power supplies is also working its way through the sale process, one of the people said.

US Republican President Donald Trump’s full-throated support for Israel’s military contrasts with growing wariness about Israel’s campaign in Gaza among Democrats.

On Thursday, a group of US senators introduced the first Senate resolution to urge recognition of a Palestinian state, and more than half of Democrats in the Senate recently voted against further arms sales.

The Wall Street Journal reported the potential helicopter and vehicle sales on Friday.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.