US Moves to Approve Multi-Billion Dollar Bomb Sale to Israel

The Trump administration is advancing a significant arms deal with Israel valued at approximately $2.8 billion, which includes tens of thousands of heavy bombs. This move comes amid reports of tensions between Washington and Jerusalem.

The package, detailed by The Washington Post and confirmed by Reuters and AP, comprises around 40,000 heavy bombs, including 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. It also includes 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads, designed for striking fortified targets. This represents one of the largest arms packages the U.S. has facilitated for Israel in recent years.

A key aspect of the deal is its funding mechanism. The package is expected to be financed through U.S. aid funds, meaning Israel would not need to allocate $2.8 billion from its own budget for the purchase. Essentially, the U.S. is funding the acquisition as part of ongoing security assistance.

The deal emerges during a sensitive political period in the U.S., with growing criticism from some Democrats regarding continued military aid to Israel and the use of heavy bombs in conflict zones. The Biden administration had previously halted a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs due to concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza, a suspension that was reportedly reversed by Trump upon entering the White House in January 2025. Despite potential political friction, the advancement of this deal signals continued substantial security cooperation between the U.S. and Israel.

The proposed sale must still undergo approval by Congress, where it is anticipated to face political debate, particularly with midterm elections approaching in November. A senior U.S. official declined to comment on the specifics of the deal, stating that all foreign arms sales follow standard procedures and that the administration does not comment on pending transactions.