Trump Plans $2.8 Billion Munitions Sale to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

The Trump administration is preparing a $2.8 billion weapons package for Israel that would include tens of thousands of 2,000-pound bombs, according to a U.S. official familiar with the plan.

The proposed sale has been shared informally with congressional committees that review major U.S. arms deals, but it has not yet been officially announced.

The package would include 20,000 MK 84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, the official said.

The Washington Post first reported the planned sale. The U.S. State Department and the Israeli embassy did not immediately comment on the proposal.

• Trump administration prepares $2.8B munitions sale to Israel amid Gaza conflict
• Proposed US weapons package would include 40,000 large 2,000-pound bombs
• Planned Israel arms deal renews debate over US military support and Gaza war

Proposed Deal Includes 40,000 Large Bombs

The MK 84 and BLU-117 are both 2,000-pound bombs and are used by military aircraft against ground targets. The proposed shipment would give Israel a large supply of bombs as the Gaza conflict continues.

The use of heavy bombs in Gaza and Lebanon has faced criticism from human rights groups because of the risks to civilians in densely populated areas. Israel has said its military operations are aimed at Hamas and other armed groups.

The proposed sale also follows an earlier U.S. decision over similar weapons. In 2024, the Biden administration stopped one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel over concerns about their possible use in Gaza. The Trump administration later removed that restriction after taking office.

The planned deal reflects the continuing U.S.-Israel military relationship. Washington has provided Israel with weapons and other military support for decades, while Israel remains a key U.S. security partner in the Middle East.

The proposed transfer could add to the scale of U.S. military aid to Israel, which has become a major subject of debate as the war continues.

Military Support Draws More Debate in U.S.

The proposed weapons sale to Israel comes as the debate over U.S. support for Israel continues at home. A June poll by Quinnipiac University, cited by Reuters, found that 48% of U.S. voters said the United States was too supportive of Israel. That compares with 16% when the same question was asked in 2017. Among Democratic voters, 66% said U.S. support was too strong, compared with 20% in 2017.

The current Israel-Gaza war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel in October 2023. About 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 people were taken hostage, according to Israeli figures cited by Reuters. Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in response and has said it is acting to protect its population and dismantle Hamas.

Gaza health authorities say more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed during the Israeli military campaign. A United Nations inquiry has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israel has rejected the allegation.

The conflict has also contributed to wider Middle East tensions. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, followed by Iranian attacks on Israel and Gulf states that host U.S. military bases.

The proposed $2.8 billion sale will now be subject to the U.S. process for reviewing major arms transfers. Congressional committees can examine the deal before it moves toward final approval and delivery.

The proposal comes as Washington continues to provide military support for Israel while facing growing debate over the scale and consequences of that assistance.

Also Read: Venezuela's Rodriguez Plans UN Visit as Interim Leader Says Report

The planned package, if approved, would add thousands of large bombs to Israel's military supplies and further underline the importance of the U.S.-Israel defense relationship during the ongoing regional conflict.