Trump administration prepares proposed US$2.8bn bomb package for Israel
The package would include 40,000 907kg bombs and related warheads, but has not yet been formally notified to Congress.
The Trump administration is preparing a proposed US$2.8 billion arms package for Israel containing 40,000 907kg bombs and related warheads, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera.
The package would include 20,000 MK-84 general-purpose bombs, 20,000 BLU-117 bombs and I-2000 Penetrator warheads. It would reportedly be funded through the US Foreign Military Financing programme, under which Washington provides funding for Israel to purchase American weapons.
The proposed sale has been informally notified to congressional committees but has not yet received formal notification to Congress. The US State Department has declined to comment on proposed arms sales before that stage, while a senior administration official said foreign weapons sales were proceeding through the appropriate process.
The plan has drawn criticism over civilian casualties and opposition from some US lawmakers. Senator Chris Van Hollen said he would work to block the sale, while other critics questioned continued US military support for Israel.
Israel has used 907kg bombs in Gaza and Lebanon, including in areas it had designated safe for civilians, according to the source material. The Biden administration paused one shipment of the bombs in 2024 over civilian-casualty concerns before Donald Trump reversed the suspension.
The proposal comes amid reported strain between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside increased bipartisan concern in Washington over US military support for Israel.
