US approves more than $6.5 billion in arms sales to Israel, drawing ire from Democrats in Congress

The U.S. government has approved nearly $7 million in potential arms sales to Israel that has generated backlash from Democrats in Washington accusing the administration of sidelining Congress.

The U.S. State Department and Defense Security Cooperation Agency cleared four arms and equipment contracts to Israel, collectively valued at roughly $6.6 billion to $6.7 billion.

The agreement includes Israel purchasing 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters with weapons, sensors, and support gear as well as about 3,200 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and related support equipment to beef up Israeli ground mobility and logistics.

Washington historically provides at least $3.8 billion annually in foreign military financing to Israel, a key ally in the volatile Middle East.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Rep. Gregory Meeks is among the Democrats criticizing the timing and process.

"The Trump Administration has blatantly ignored long-standing Congressional prerogatives while also refusing to engage Congress on critical questions about the next steps in Gaza and broader U.S.-Israel policy," he said in a statement.