U.S. confirms approved weapons sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia totaling over $15.

U.S. confirms approved weapons sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia totaling over $15.67 billion. Israel will receive $6.67 billion worth of military hardware while a separate approval will see Saudi Arabia purchase $9 billion in defense equipment. Critics argue that such a high volume of weapons coming into the Middle East could spur an arms race that only serves to increase tensions. Both requests still require lawmakers to approve them but could be finalized in the coming years pending authorization. The proposed sale includes 730 PATRIOT PAC-3 missiles, 217 missile launchers, 7 fire control and communications stations.