US reportedly prepares US$2.8bn heavy-bomb package for Israel

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a US$2.8 billion arms package for Israel involving 60,000 2,000-pound (907kg) bombs and related warheads, according to Al Jazeera Global News. The proposed sale has reportedly been informally discussed with Congress but has not been formally notified or officially confirmed.

The package is reported to comprise 20,000 MK-84 bombs, 20,000 BLU-117 bombs and 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads. Most of the funding would reportedly come through the US Foreign Military Financing programme, under which Washington provides funding for Israel to purchase US-made weapons and military equipment.

The proposal follows earlier US arms packages for Israel, including a reported nearly US$3 billion sale in 2025 and a US$6.67 billion package approved in January 2026. The Biden administration paused some deliveries of 2,000-pound-class bombs in 2024 amid criticism over civilian casualties. Reports say Donald Trump ended the pause after returning to office.

The reported sale comes as Israel continues its wars in Gaza and Lebanon, where the source material says 2,000-pound-class bombs have been used. Israel has also used weapons of this class in operations dating back decades, including the 1981 air strike on Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor and attacks in Lebanon and Syria the following year.

The proposal is also being reported amid pressure on US munitions stocks. A Pentagon watchdog report cited in the source material identified ammunition shortfalls and supply-chain bottlenecks linked to US military operations, including efforts to improve procurement and production lead times.

Some US political figures and lawmakers have opposed the reported sale. Senator Chris Van Hollen said he would work to block it, while other critics questioned continued US military support for Israel. The administration and State Department have declined to confirm proposed arms sales before formal notification to Congress.