US Moves to Sell Israel $2.8 Billion in Heavy Bombs

The Trump administration is preparing to advance a significant arms sale to Israel valued at approximately $2.8 billion, which includes around 40,000 heavy bombs. The package reportedly comprises 20,000 MK-84 bombs, 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, and 20,000 I-2000 bunker-buster warheads. This deal has been informally presented to relevant congressional committees and could become a notable political test for Democratic lawmakers, particularly as support for Israel becomes a more divisive issue in Washington.

The MK-84 bomb is described as one of the most destructive munitions in the Western arsenal, capable of penetrating thick concrete structures and causing significant cratering. Israel has used these types of bombs extensively in Gaza and Lebanon, drawing criticism due to their destructive power and the risk to civilians in densely populated areas, especially when dropped on designated evacuation zones. The Biden administration had previously halted a shipment of ton-class bombs to Israel over concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza.

While the sale is structured as a weapon purchase, it is largely funded through U.S. foreign military financing, meaning Israel will not bear the full cost from its own budget. This transaction is larger than previous heavy bomb sales approved for Israel under both the Trump and Biden administrations. The BLU-117 is a variant of the MK-84 with a thermal coating for safer storage, and the I-2000 warheads are designed for attacking hardened targets.

Beyond the military hardware, the sale carries significant political messaging. Experts suggest that approving such a large deal during a period of regional tension could signal renewed confidence from Washington in Israel. This move occurs amidst existing friction points between the Trump administration and Prime Minister Netanyahu, including U.S. dissatisfaction with settler violence in the West Bank, Israeli actions in Lebanon and Syria, and Israeli opposition to some of Trump's initiatives concerning Gaza. The prolonged conflict in Gaza has also reportedly frustrated Trump and his associates.

Both the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee are being urged by the Trump administration to approve the deal. Historically, arms sales to Israel have enjoyed broad bipartisan support, but opposition has grown in recent years, particularly among Democrats. In July, over 100 House Democrats voted for a measure to halt U.S. aid to Israel, reflecting a significant shift in party sentiment, partly due to the wars in Gaza and Iran and their impact on American public opinion and the economy. Some conservative commentators are also beginning to question the extent of U.S. commitments and annual aid to Israel.