Trump Administration Advances $2.8 Billion Arms Deal for Israel

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is advancing a significant arms deal for Israel valued at $2.8 billion, which includes tens of thousands of heavy bombs. This move comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and increasing international criticism regarding the ongoing war.

According to reports, the U.S. administration has informally notified relevant congressional committees of its intention to sell Israel a multi-billion dollar munitions package. The package reportedly comprises 20,000 MK 84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, each weighing approximately 2,000 pounds (nearly a ton).

The deal, first revealed by The Washington Post, is substantially larger than previous bomb sales of similar weight approved for Israel under both the Biden and Trump administrations. The use of such heavy munitions has previously been a point of contention between Jerusalem and Washington. In spring 2024, the Biden administration halted a shipment of these bombs due to concerns about their use in densely populated areas of Gaza.

With Trump's potential return to the White House in January 2025, the freeze on such sales was reportedly lifted. The Trump administration is now reportedly working with the leadership of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee to advance the deal's approval. The delivery of such a large order is expected to span several years.

This potential transaction underscores the continued U.S. commitment to supplying weapons to Israel, particularly during a period of elevated regional instability. Beyond its military implications, the scale of the deal highlights the American commitment to Israel's defense capabilities under a potential Trump administration.