IDF: Israel’s Apache deal not off, but at risk as NIS 15 billion delay drags on

The IDF confirmed that Israel's deal with the US for Apache helicopters is not off, but faces significant delays due to a NIS 15 billion payment holdup from the Finance Ministry. The US State Department approved a potential $3.8 billion sale of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in January, with an initial order of 12 expected to modernize Israel's air force and enhance its defense against ground invasions. However, missed deadlines, including one last Thursday, have pushed back the anticipated arrival of the first helicopters, originally slated for 2030. An IDF spokesperson stated, "all expectations were that the deals were still on, but simply delayed." These delays could lead to higher costs due to inflation and potentially impact future US offensive weapons sales to Israel. The payment dispute is part of broader disagreements between the IDF and the Finance Ministry over already-agreed funding and future multi-year budget negotiations, with the IDF's defense budget now estimated at NIS 160 billion annually.