The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump is planning to deliver powerful 2,000-pound bombs to Israel as part of an anticipated arms deal. These weapons have raised significant concerns over potential mass casualties in Gaza, a concern that led the previous administration under President Joe Biden to suspend their delivery two years ago.
According to two U.S. officials and another individual familiar with the plan, the deal, valued at $2.8 billion, includes 40,000 bombs, comprising 20,000 of the "MK 84" model and another 20,000 of the "BLU-117" model, as reported by the Associated Press.
The sources indicated that Congress has been informed of the impending deal on an informal basis, and much of the funding for the purchase will come from the Foreign Military Financing program. Under this program, U.S. taxpayers' money is granted to Israel, which then uses it to acquire weapons from the United States.
The proposed sale is part of a recent series of moves by the Trump administration to bolster Israel's military capabilities.
The deal comes amid increasing international isolation for Israel due to its war in Gaza, launched in response to Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
Tension Between Trump and Netanyahu
The move underscores that tensions in the relationship between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—especially since the two nations waged a campaign against Iran in February—are not hindering the strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance.
Trump and Netanyahu's relationship over the years has seen both closeness and tension. The American president has expressed frustration with Netanyahu over the Iran conflict, prior to their latest meeting at the White House in July.
Notably, in 2024, the Biden administration halted a single shipment of these bombs, but Trump lifted the suspension when he returned to office.
Last year, the Trump administration bypassed usual congressional review procedures to approve an arms deal for Israel worth nearly $3 billion, including over 35,500 of these bombs.
Furthermore, in January, the administration approved a new series of arms deals for Israel with a total value of $6.67 billion.