The Trump administration is preparing a $2.8 billion weapons deal for Israel that would include 40,000 highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs, according to a US official familiar with the planned sale. The package includes 20,000 MK 84s and 20,000 BLU-117s, the official said. The proposed deal has been informally communicated to congressional committees that weigh in on major arms sales.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity. The Washington Post first reported news of the package.
What’s Inside Trump’s Planned Israel Bomb Deal?
The proposed $2.8 billion package includes:
- 20,000 MK 84s
- 20,000 BLU-117s
Both are 2,000-pound bombs that have been regularly used by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, drawing scrutiny from rights experts.
The State Department and the Israeli embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Why The Bomb Sale Is Drawing Attention
The planned deal comes as the US and Israel remain involved in the Iran war, which began with attacks on Iran on February 28.
Iran responded with strikes on Israel and Gulf states that host US bases. US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions.
The proposed weapons sale is also likely to face scrutiny over Israel’s use of 2,000-pound bombs in Gaza.
More than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign, according to Gaza health authorities. A UN inquiry determined that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel rejects.
Israel says its military actions are self-defense after Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages in an October 2023 attack.
US Support For Israel Faces Growing Debate
The planned sale comes as public support for Israel in the United States has fallen since the Gaza war began in 2023, particularly among Democrats. A June Quinnipiac University poll found that 48% of voters and 66% of Democrats believed the United States was too supportive of Israel.
That was up from 16% and 20%, respectively, when the question was first asked in 2017.
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