Defense Officials Accuse Finance Ministry of Sabotaging Apache Helicopter Deal
Senior defense officials accuse Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of sabotaging a critical Apache helicopter procurement deal, endangering national security.
Senior defense officials have accused the Ministry of Finance of sabotaging a critical military procurement deal for Apache attack helicopters, warning that the move directly compromises Israel's national security.
The Ministry of Defense expressed profound outrage over Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's actions, which ultimately caused the midnight deadline to expire without the required signatures. The multi-billion shekel re-armament plan, approved in April following a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, included acquiring additional fighter jets and 12 critical Apache helicopters.
Security Concerns and Regional Disadvantage
Defense sources emphasized that Israel currently operates aging Apache models, while neighboring states maintain significantly more advanced helicopter fleets. The shortage of rotary-wing aircraft was highlighted as a severe operational vulnerability following the events of October 7, 2023.
"What has been done is a grave act that directly harms Israel's security and strips the military of vital operational capabilities," a high-ranking defense official stated.
Budgetary Disputes and Political Deadlines
Despite flexible terms offered by the United States administration—including deferring payments past 2030—the Finance Ministry raised legal and budgetary objections. Officials claimed that executing the contract weeks before upcoming elections constituted an irregular procedural step, securing an opinion from the Attorney General to halt the process.
