Trump Administration Moves to Sell $2.8 Billion in Bombs to Israel
The package includes 40,000 bombs, including heavy-duty munitions previously paused by the Biden administration due to concerns over civilian casualties.
The Trump administration is planning to sell approximately $2.8 billion worth of powerful 2,000-pound bombs to Israel as part of an upcoming arms deal. This proposed sale includes 40,000 bombs, specifically 20,000 Mk84s and 20,000 BLU-117s. These munitions previously prompted concerns about potential mass casualties in Gaza, leading the Biden administration to pause their delivery two years ago.
The deal, which is not yet finalized, has been informally communicated to Congress. A significant portion of the cost will be covered by foreign military financing, where U.S. taxpayer funds are allocated to Israel for purchasing American weaponry.
This proposed sale is the latest in a series of actions by the Trump administration aimed at enhancing Israel's military capabilities. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation within the enclave. While the U.S. helped broker a fragile ceasefire, violence has persisted.
The package comes as Israel faces increasing international scrutiny over its military operations in Gaza, which began in response to the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. The sale suggests that recent strains in the relationship between former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have not undermined the close U.S.-Israeli alliance. Trump has historically had a complex relationship with Netanyahu, expressing frustration at times, particularly concerning the conflict with Iran.
In 2024, the Biden administration had halted one shipment of these bombs, but Trump reversed that decision upon resuming office. Last year, the Trump administration bypassed standard congressional review to approve a nearly $3 billion sale to Israel that included over 35,500 of these bombs. Earlier this year, the administration authorized additional arms sales totaling $6.67 billion.
The 2,000-pound bombs are available in various configurations, with some designed for penetrating deep underground targets and others for causing widespread damage when detonating above ground. Although the Israeli military has not disclosed specific weapons used in Gaza, analysis by experts suggests that U.S.-made bombs have been employed, potentially targeting Hamas tunnel networks but also impacting densely populated areas.
Despite a fragile ceasefire established in October, Israel has continued strikes in Gaza. These actions occur even after Jared Kushner, Trump's former Middle East negotiator, met with Netanyahu to encourage a reduction in attacks and advance a ceasefire deal. Militant groups have continued shooting attacks on Israeli forces, which Israel states are in response to ceasefire violations.
The Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in 2023 resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages. Gaza's Health Ministry reports that Israel's subsequent offensive in Gaza has led to the deaths of over 73,264 Palestinians.