US Plans $2.8bn Israel Arms Deal With Heavy Bombs
The Trump administration is preparing a proposed $2.8 billion munitions sale to Israel that would include tens of thousands of 2,000-pound bombs, expanding US military support for Israel amid continuing regional tensions and scrutiny over the use of heavy weapons in populated areas according to sources.
US Plans $2.8 Billion Israel Arms Package
The proposed package includes 20,000 MK-84 general-purpose bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, both weighing about 2,000 pounds.
It would also include approximately 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads designed for hardened or underground targets.
The planned sale has been informally shared with relevant congressional committees, but the full approval and notification process has not yet been completed publicly.
2,000-Pound Bombs Previously Drew Scrutiny
The weapons have attracted particular attention because the Biden administration temporarily paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs in 2024 over concerns about their potential use in densely populated parts of Gaza.
The Trump administration has since moved to strengthen military assistance to Israel, including previously approved munitions packages containing heavy bombs and penetrator warheads.
Deal Comes Amid Continuing Gaza Concerns
Heavy aerial munitions remain controversial because of their large blast effects, particularly when used in urban areas.
Israel maintains that its military operations target Hamas and other armed groups, while international organisations and rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about civilian casualties.
The proposed package would reinforce the longstanding US-Israel defence relationship while renewing debate in Washington over American military support for Israel and the use of heavy munitions in the Gaza conflict.
