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

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) missed an opportunity to acquire 12 advanced Apache attack helicopters from the United States, despite support from IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and flexibility from the US Department of Defense. The IDF failed to submit a timely Letter of Request with an approved budget from the Finance Ministry, leading to the expiration of the production reservation deadline after two extensions. Military sources attributed the failure to "budget games" and a lack of time, even though the Finance Ministry had committed to finding the necessary funds. This initial acquisition was part of a larger plan to purchase approximately 30 Apache helicopters to enhance border defense capabilities.