(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Israel has formally requested for additional Apache AH-64 attack helicopters from the United States for deployment against Palestinian and Hezbollah fighters, but, Washington has refused to bow to the request, Israeli media outlet Yediot Ahronoth disclosed.
The request for additional Apache helicopters was made to the U.S. Department of Defense several weeks ago and was reiterated by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during a meeting with the visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin last week.
Israel is anticipated to persist in pressuring the United States to approve the sale of these attack helicopters.
Analysts suggest that Washington’s reluctance to fulfill Tel Aviv’s request for the attack helicopters may signify underlying strains in the relationship between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Yediot Ahronoth reported that the Israeli military deems the acquisition of additional Apache attack helicopters crucial to enhancing its aerial operations in the current conflict.
Currently, Israel deploys Apache helicopters for operations in Gaza, southern Lebanon against Hezbollah militants, and operations in the West Bank.
As of now, Israel possesses only two squadrons of Apache attack helicopters, stationed at the Ramon Airbase and the Jezreel Valley in the north of the country.
Both squadrons have reportedly been utilised continuously since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel, Palestine, and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on October 7.
The workload for Apache attack helicopter pilots during this conflict has been exceptionally high, prompting Israeli Air Force Commander Brigadier General Tomar Bar to recall former pilots aged 54-55 years to active duty.
Despite the U.S. rejection of Israel’s request for additional Apache attack helicopters, it remains the largest contributor of military assistance to Israel, particularly in the current context.
Since the onset of the Gaza conflict, Israel has received 230 flights of U.S. transport planes carrying various weapons, along with 20 ships delivering diverse military aid to Israeli ports.
These resources aim to support Israel in its response to Palestinian and Hezbollah fighters. — DSA