Israel approves purchase of 12 AH-64E Apache helicopters funded by reallocated budget
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Israel approved the purchase of 12 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters through an urgent telephone vote of ministers, reallocating approximately 1.030 million shekels (US$300 million) from a five‑year Arab community infrastructure program to fund the deal.
The acquisition is part of a potential 30‑unit sale authorized by the United States in January 2026 for US$3.8 billion, and a final U.S. extension granted until 14 October prompted the funding move; Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich questioned the purchase, suggesting advanced drones could replace the helicopters at lower cost, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on maintaining the purchase.