US approves $16 billion arms sales to Israel, Saudi Arabia in major defence deal | World News

The USA took an important step and approved two major arms deals with Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The US State Department late Friday approved arms sales worth $6.67 billion to Israel and $9 billion to Saudi Arabia.

The sales dovetail with the Trump administration’s peacekeeping efforts in Gaza and looming U.S. threats of attack against Iran.​

Israel’s package includes 30 Apache helicopters equipped with rocket launchers, as well as 3,250 light tactical vehicles, armored personnel carrier power units and light utility helicopters.

The ministry said the arms sale would strengthen Israel’s defenses against current and future threats to its borders, infrastructure and population centers, according to a report by Fox News.

The report also stated that the United States pledged its unwavering support to Israel’s security and emphasized its vital role in America’s national interests by strengthening Israel’s strong self-defense capabilities.

Saudi Arabia is acquiring 730 Patriot missiles and equipment, advancing U.S. foreign policy and security objectives by strengthening the role of a key non-NATO ally in Gulf stability and economic growth, according to the State Department.

The highly anticipated agreement came at a time when US-Iran tensions were increasing in the Middle East.

Previously, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had stated that the kingdom would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for any military action against Iran, amid US naval reinforcements and Trump’s assessments of strikes.

The agreement came after Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Rubio shared this on X, where he shared his insights into the meeting, saying that both countries discussed strategic relations.

I met with @SecRubio, @SecWarAnd @SEPeaceMissions To review the strategic relations between our countries and to explore opportunities to improve our cooperation. We also discussed our efforts to promote regional and global peace and stability. pic.twitter.com/RKf9ySKIf2— Khalid bin Salman (@kbsalsaud) January 30, 2026

Giving the green light to the Israeli-Saudi defense agreement will change Saudi Arabia’s attitude towards the United States regarding the escalation of Iran-US tensions. At a private briefing in Washington recently, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman warned that U.S. President Donald Trump’s failure to act against Iranian threats would embolden the regime, according to four Axios sources on Friday.​

This marks a shift from Saudi Arabia’s public de-escalation stance and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s previous concerns about Trump, which led to the postponement of the attack.