Trump Administration Plans $2.8bn Israel Arms Package Including 40,000 2,000-Pound Bombs

The Trump administration is preparing a $2.8 billion munitions sale to Israel that would include 40,000 2,000-pound-class bombs.

A U.S. official told Reuters the proposed package includes 20,000 MK 84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs.

Both are 2,000-pound-class weapons.

The proposed sale has been informally transmitted to the relevant congressional committees for review.

It has not yet completed the U.S. arms-sale process and the weapons have not been delivered.

The proposal comes as the United States continues military operations against Iran and faces questions about the condition of its own weapons stockpiles.

The Congressional Budget Office has warned that U.S. inventories of some munitions have been substantially depleted.

Israel’s previous use of 2,000-pound bombs in Gaza and Lebanon has also attracted scrutiny because of their destructive effects when used in densely populated areas.

The proposed package therefore combines several separate issues: continued U.S. military support for Israel, civilian-risk concerns surrounding heavy bombs, congressional oversight and the ability of the United States to replenish its own weapons stocks.

Congress will now have an opportunity to scrutinise the proposed transfer before the sale progresses further.

Source

• Reuters – Trump administration plans $2.8bn munitions sale to Israel