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

Jerusalem Post/Israel NewsDespite pressure from the IDF Chief of Staff and flexibility from the US Defense Department, Israel missed its place on the production line for an initial purchase of 12 advanced Apache helicopters.Follow us on GoogleA Dutch Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter takes part in a combat display during a press day for the military exercise Aurora 26 at the Revingehed training field outside Lund in Skane, Southern Sweden on April 29, 2026. (photo credit: Johan NILSSON/ various sources/ AFP via Getty Images)ByAMIR BOHBOTJULY 19, 2026 13:21Updated: JULY 19, 2026 13:22The IDF missed an opportunity to purchase 12 advanced Apache attack helicopters from the US, Walla learned on Thursday.This is despite pressure from the IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, and flexibility on behalf of the US Department of Defense.The IDF was supposed to submit a detailed Letter of Request to the US Department of Defense based on an approved budget by the Finance Ministry, authorizing a reservation of the helicopters as they were being produced.Initial delays by the IDF canceled the original production date, which was extended twice before the ultimate deadline passed.An Israeli Air Force AH-64 Apache attack helicopter fires rockets while flying along the border between northern Israel and southern Lebanon on March 18, 2026. (credit: JALAA MAREY/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)Finance Ministry committed to locating funds, ran out of timeMilitary sources clarified that several discussions were held on the matter, and the Finance Ministry committed to locating budget sources, but time ran out due to "budget games."This would have been the first stage of a deal involving about 30 Apache helicopters, which are intended to help prevent future ground invasion scenarios at the country's borders.Follow us on Google