ByAMIR BOHBOT
Updated:

The 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.
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 time

Military 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.