S Plans $2.8 Billion Arms Package for Israel Including 40,000 Heavy Bombs
WASHINGTON: The United States is preparing a $2.8 billion arms package for Israel that includes 40,000 heavy 2,000-pound bombs, according to US media reports and officials familiar with the plan.
The proposed package includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. The planned transfer has been described as one of the largest US munitions packages for Israel in recent years.
$2.8 Billion Israel Arms Package
Reports from US media said the weapons package is being prepared by the administration of President Donald Trump and has been informally shared with congressional committees.
The deal has not been described as fully finalised in all reports. A US State Department spokesperson said the department does not normally confirm or comment on proposed arms sales before they are formally notified to Congress.
The package is expected to be funded largely through US Foreign Military Financing, which provides financial assistance for countries to purchase American-made military equipment.
Thousands of 2,000-Pound Bombs Included
The planned transfer includes 40,000 2,000-pound bombs, consisting of:
- 20,000 MK-84 bombs
- 20,000 BLU-117 bombs
- Additional I-2000 penetrator warheads have also been reported as part of the broader package.
The weapons have attracted attention because of their large size and destructive capability, particularly when used in densely populated areas.
Previous US Restrictions on Heavy Bombs
The proposed shipment also revisits an earlier US decision involving similar munitions.
In 2024, the administration of then-President Joe Biden paused the delivery of a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel amid concerns about their potential use and civilian casualties in Gaza.
After returning to office in 2025, the Trump administration lifted that restriction and resumed support for the transfer of heavy munitions.
Congressional Review and Ongoing Debate
The proposed arms package has also prompted discussion in Congress. Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he would withhold approval over concerns about how the weapons could be used in populated areas.
The development comes as the United States continues to provide military support to Israel while the conflict in Gaza remains a major international issue.
The final status of the proposed $2.8 billion package will depend on the US arms-sale process and congressional review.
