US Plans $2.8 Billion Heavy Bomb Sale to Israel

The Biden administration intends to proceed with a significant new arms deal for Israel, valued at approximately $2.8 billion. The proposed sale includes around 40,000 heavy bombs, each weighing roughly 2,000 pounds, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter cited by Reuters and reported by The Washington Post. The deal comprises 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs.

These 2,000-pound bombs are among the most destructive aerial munitions and have been repeatedly used by Israel in its operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Their use in populated areas has drawn widespread criticism from experts and human rights organizations due to their immense destructive power.

While the U.S. State Department and the Israeli Embassy have not yet commented on the deal, congressional committees overseeing major arms sales have been informally briefed. The official timeline for formal notification to Congress and potential delivery of the munitions remains unclear.

The proposed sale occurs amidst ongoing, substantial U.S. military support for Israel since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. This support faces increasing criticism within the United States, particularly concerning the volume of aid and the use of American weapons in Gaza. Public support for Israel in the U.S. has declined, especially among Democratic voters, with a recent Quinnipiac University poll indicating 48% of American voters believe the U.S. provides excessive support to Israel, a significant increase from previous years.

The deal also comes as military operations expand in the region. This follows a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, which was subsequently met with Iranian strikes targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. bases. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in a high Palestinian death toll and widespread destruction.