US Prepares Massive Bomb Sale to Israel Worth Billions

The Trump administration is preparing to sell Israel a substantial arsenal of heavy aerial bombs valued at $2.8 billion. The deal includes 40,000 bombs, each weighing approximately 900 kg, comprising 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. Additionally, Israel would receive 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator munitions designed for bunker busting. The Washington Post described this as the largest single sale of such heavy bombs to Israel in recent years. While formally a sale, Israel will primarily fund the purchase using U.S. military aid.

U.S. officials familiar with the transaction have unofficially informed relevant congressional committees, which review major foreign arms sales. The Trump administration is reportedly seeking support from leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. A senior administration official declined to comment on the potential humanitarian implications, stating that all foreign arms sales undergo a standard review process.

The MK-84 is one of the most powerful conventional bombs in Western arsenals, capable of penetrating metal and thick concrete. The BLU-117 is a variant with thermal coating for safer storage on ships, and the I-2000 is designed for hardened targets. Israel has used 900-kilogram bombs extensively in Gaza and Lebanon, with The Washington Post citing hundreds of instances. The use of such powerful munitions in densely populated areas has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and weapons experts.

Trevor Ball, a former U.S. Army ordnance disposal specialist, explained to The Washington Post that these bombs are often used to destroy entire buildings. Brian Finucane of the International Crisis Group expressed concerns about how such weapons would be used in populated areas, given Israel's past conduct in Gaza and southern Lebanon, and questioned Israel's criteria for selecting targets.

The Biden administration had previously halted a shipment of these bombs in spring 2024 due to concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. However, this decision was reversed shortly after Donald Trump's return to the White House, with the new deal set to be finalized in January 2025. This current sale significantly surpasses previous deliveries of similar munitions.

The proposed sale occurs amidst growing opposition to U.S. military support for Israel. A June Quinnipiac University poll indicated that 48% of American voters believe the U.S. provides excessive support to Israel, with 66% of Democrats holding this view. Over 100 House Democrats voted in July to cease all U.S. aid to Israel, and Senator Chris Van Hollen has vowed to block the new deal, criticizing the administration's decision. While Republicans largely support Israel, some have begun questioning the current level of aid. The Washington Post also noted that the war with Iran is becoming increasingly unpopular among Americans ahead of the midterm elections, exacerbated by rising energy prices and inflation.