The Trump administration has moved to secure congressional approval for a multibillion-dollar arms deal with Israel, valued at about $6.4 billion, according to individuals briefed on the plan.
Israel’s army confirmed Friday that its forces had intensified operations in Gaza City, striking Hamas targets as displaced Palestinians reported being trapped and unable to escape the fighting, reports agencies.
Details of the arms deal emerged just ahead of next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York and a scheduled UN Security Council session on Gaza.
The proposed sale for the Israeli army is set to include $3.8 billion for 30 AH-64 Apache helicopters and $1.9 billion for 3,250 infantry assault vehicles. One source also noted a separate $750 million in parts and power supplies for armoured personnel carriers under review.
Trump’s firm backing of Israel’s military campaign contrasts sharply with Democratic unease over the Gaza offensive. A Senate resolution urging recognition of a Palestinian state was introduced Thursday, and more than half of Senate Democrats have recently voted against additional weapons transfers to Israel.
On Friday, the Wall Street Journal first reported the proposed sale of helicopters and vehicles.
The White House did not provide an immediate response when asked for comment.
