West Bankupdated 1h ago2 min read
Israel Signs Deal With Pentagon For 12 Boeing AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
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Israel signs deal with US to buy 12 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. Deliveries expected to begin in early 2030s per Israeli media.
13 outlets told this the same way.
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Apache Deal Signed
Israel signed a deal with the United States to procure 12 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with deliveries expected to begin in the early 2030s.
Israel’s Defense Ministry will acquire the helicopters as the Apache “Echo” variant, described as the newest and most advanced model, after the ministry’s transfer of 1 billion shekels, or about $322.8 million, to the Defense Ministry.
Israel’s Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram instructed the ministry’s mission in the United States to sign the agreement with the Pentagon after several postponements granted by the US administration at Israel’s request because of budget constraints.
Defense Minister Israel Katz called the acquisition a “critical step in the IDF's force buildup,” saying it would “strengthen its operational capabilities against a wide range of threats” and contribute to “the security of the State of Israel in the years to come.”
Funding Shift and Dispute
Israel’s government approved transferring 1 billion shekels to the Defense Ministry for an “urgent” purchase of 12 Apache helicopters, with ministers approving the transfer through a telephone vote. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s draft resolution cut money from a five-year plan for investment in Israel’s Arab society, including NIS 169 million in 2027, NIS 342 million in 2028, and NIS 453 million in 2029.
Ynetnews said the cuts were set to increase annually, with NIS 169 million in reductions scheduled for 2027, NIS 342 million for 2028 and NIS 453 million for 2029, totaling NIS 964 million. Ynetnews reported that the combined budgetary adjustments amounted to approximately NIS 1.03 billion, and it said Defense Ministry officials had determined the purchase represented an immediate security priority that justified accelerating the budgetary process.
Next Steps and Wider Context
Israel’s Defense Ministry said the agreement and its financing framework were developed jointly with American officials, with the effort led by its US mission and Budget Department.
Boeing Israel President Maj. Gen. (res.) Ido Nehushtan welcomed the agreement, saying the company would work closely with the Israeli government to supply the helicopters to the Israeli Air Force.
i24NEWS reported that the purchase came amid sustained domestic and international criticism of US military aid and arms sales to Israel during the war in Gaza.
i24NEWS also said the agreement followed the Israeli government’s transfer of 1 billion shekels, or about $322.8 million, to the Defense Ministry, and it described the deal as continuing extensive military support maintained by former US President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.