Jerusalem, 8 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s planned purchase of 12 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the United States has collapsed after the Finance Ministry and Defense Ministry failed to resolve a dispute over financing, Israeli media reported Thursday.
The roughly $1 billion deal was part of a larger U.S. approval covering up to 30 Apaches, with 12 initially planned for purchase. Israel reportedly sought three extensions from Washington after the deal’s deadline approached, but the United States ultimately allocated the production slot to another customer.
The dispute centered on the Defense Ministry’s proposed financing arrangement and budget rules governing future commitments. The Apache purchase had been highlighted in Brig. Gen. (Res.) Prof. Jacob Nagel’s Committee’s recommendations following October 7, with the committee noting that greater helicopter availability could have enabled forces to reach the Gaza border and respond more quickly.