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 includes 20,000 MK 84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, both approximately 2,000-pound (900 kg) "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, they are now seen as preparation for potential further direct confrontations with Iran.

This proposed sale 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 destruction of approximately 30 large drones. Earlier estimates in July had placed the cost at $80-100 billion. The U.S. Department of Defense has acknowledged that the conflict has significantly challenged its munitions economy, creating "bottlenecks" in supply chains, though Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan has denied reports of munitions shortages.

The Pentagon's report, prepared at Congress's request, covers February 28 to June 30 and details extensive damage to American military and intelligence assets. The $33.4 billion in expenses includes $22.3 billion for munitions, $3.7 billion for destroyed equipment, and $7.4 billion for other costs. The report also notes that over 20,000 military personnel and diplomats were displaced due to the conflict.

Furthermore, the war has impacted U.S. military operations, with many medical evacuations of wounded personnel conducted overland due to a shortage of aircraft available for such missions. Despite these challenges, over 5,000 flights were made from U.S. bases in Europe to the Middle East to reinforce forces and equipment. The report also itemizes significant aircraft losses, including four F-15E, one F-35, and one A-10 fighter jets, along with 12 KC-135 refueling tankers and nine other aircraft, totaling approximately $4.9 billion in destroyed planes and drones.

The State Department has also incurred substantial economic damage, with over $208 million in losses to its facilities in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This includes $184 million for damaged "diplomatic infrastructure" and $25 million due to construction delays.