State Department Approves Arms Sales to Israel, Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved the sales of about $6.7 billion of armaments to Israel, including AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and $9 billion for Patriot missiles to be purchased by Saudi Arabia.

The sales, which remain subject to congressional review and negotiations between the buyers and the manufacturers, was announced by the department on Friday evening. The weapons systems for Israel also include AW119Kx light utility helicopters and joint light tactical vehicles.

Saudi Arabia has requested 730 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, or PAC-3 MSE interceptors, made by Lockheed Martin Corp., the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said ...