WASHINGTON (AP)  — The Trump administration has approved $6.67 billion in new arms sales to Israel and a separate $9 billion weapons package for Saudi Arabia, the State Department said late Friday.

The announcement of sales to America’s allies in the Middle East came as tensions rose in the region over the possibility of US military strikes on Iran. They were made public after the department notified Congress of its approval of the sales earlier Friday.

The sales also come as US President Donald Trump pushes ahead with his ceasefire plan for Gaza, which is intended to end the Israel-Hamas conflict and reconstruct the Palestinian territory after two years of war left it devastated, with tens of thousands dead.

While the ceasefire has largely held, big challenges await in its next phases, including the deployment of an international security force to supervise the deal and the difficult process of disarming Hamas.

The sales to Israel are split into four separate packages, including one for 30 Apache attack helicopters and related equipment and weapons, and another for 3,250 light tactical vehicles.

The Apache helicopters, which will be equipped with rocket launchers and advanced targeting gear, are the biggest part of the total package, coming to $3.8 billion, according to the State Department.

The next largest portion is the light tactical........

© The Times of Israel