Israel's Defense Ministry Blames Finance Minister for Scuttled Apache Helicopter Deal
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Israel's Ministry of Defense blames Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for the failure to acquire 12 new Apache attack helicopters worth approximately $1 billion. The deal was a priority for the IDF, especially after the October 7 attacks, but was reportedly blocked by the Finance Ministry's position on payment schedules. Defense officials expressed strong criticism, warning of potential negative impacts on national security and future arms deals.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is blamed by the Defense Ministry for blocking a $1 billion deal for 12 Apache helicopters.
- The purchase was a high priority for the IDF, particularly after the October 7 attacks.
- The Finance Ministry reportedly insisted on delaying payments until 2030.
- Defense officials called the interference "despicable" and warned of security risks.
- There are concerns that similar disputes could derail other important military procurement deals.
Israel's Ministry of Defense has accused Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of derailing a deal to purchase 12 new Apache attack helicopters, a transaction valued at approximately $1 billion. The agreement, intended to bolster the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) helicopter fleet, failed to be signed by the deadline due to the Finance Ministry's intervention. The decision to acquire the helicopters was part of a 350 billion shekel, ten-year rearmament plan for Israel. In April, the Ministerial Committee on Security Affairs had approved the purchase of the 12 Apache helicopters, which the defense establishment considered a top priority for the IDF. Israel currently operates older Apache models, while regional neighbors like Egypt and Jordan possess more modern versions. Defense officials emphasized that the need to enhance the helicopter fleet became particularly evident following the events of October 7, 2023, stating that the IDF lacks sufficient attack helicopters to prevent similar incursions. The Finance Ministry had insisted that payments for the helicopters only begin in 2030. While Israel had negotiated with the U.S. to defer a portion of the payments, with around $700 million due after 2030, the Defense Ministry asserts the deal was ultimately scuttled by the Finance Ministry's stance. Sources indicate that the Finance Ministry's legal counsel raised concerns about signing the agreement shortly before elections. A senior Defense Ministry official condemned the Finance Ministry's actions as "despicable" and warned that the interference could negatively impact Israel's security. The Defense Ministry also fears that similar disagreements could jeopardize other critical arms procurement deals.
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