Trump Administration Plans $2.8 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

The Trump administration is planning to sell Israel a package of munitions valued at $2.8 billion, according to reports from Reuters and The Washington Post. The deal is expected to include tens of thousands of 2,000-pound bombs, specifically 20,000 MK 84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. These are described as "dumb bombs" that can be guided to targets using JDAM kits.

While such munitions have been used by Israel in the past, including for operations like the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, the current sale is seen as preparation for potential further direct confrontations with Iran. The planned sale has reportedly been communicated to the relevant congressional committees.

This arms deal announcement comes shortly after the Pentagon released figures detailing U.S. losses in the first four months of operations against Iran. These losses amounted to $33.4 billion in expenses and the loss of approximately 30 large drones. A report prepared for Congress covering February 28 to June 30 also detailed extensive damage to American military and intelligence assets.

The Pentagon acknowledged that the conflict has significantly challenged its munitions economy, creating "bottlenecks" in supply chains, though Defense Secretary Pete Buttigieg has denied reports of munitions shortages. The report detailed $33.4 billion in expenses, including $22.3 billion for munitions, $3.7 billion for destroyed equipment, and $7.4 billion for other costs.

Beyond financial costs, the war has displaced over 20,000 American military personnel and diplomats. The conflict also led to significant aircraft losses, including four F-15E, one F-35, and one A-10 aircraft, along with 12 KC-135 refueling planes and nine other aircraft, totaling approximately $4.9 billion in destroyed aircraft and drones. Additionally, State Department facilities in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates sustained over $208 million in damages.