'Budget games': How Israel lost chance to purchase 12 Apache helicopters despite US support

The IDF missed an opportunity to acquire 12 advanced Apache attack helicopters from the US, despite support from the IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, and flexibility from the US Department of Defense. The IDF failed to submit a detailed Letter of Request with an approved budget from the Finance Ministry to reserve the helicopters during production. Initial delays led to two extensions of the production deadline, which ultimately passed. Military sources indicated that the Finance Ministry had committed to finding budget sources, but time ran out due to “budget games.” This acquisition was intended as the first phase of a larger deal for approximately 30 Apache helicopters, crucial for preventing future ground invasions.