IDF Says Apache Deal Remains Active Despite Missed Deadline

The IDF said Israel's planned purchase of 30 AH-64E Apache helicopters remains active despite another procurement deadline being missed on August 27. The force expects the deal to proceed with delays, after earlier reports said it had collapsed, and the initial 12 helicopters had been expected from 2030. The report said funding delays have already pushed the process back about eight months. The IDF said NIS 15 billion due weeks ago remains delayed and another NIS 25 billion is due soon, while clarifying that the disputed NIS 40 billion is part of the agreed annual defense budget of about NIS 160 billion.