The United States has approved a $2.8 billion weapons package for Israel. The package includes 40,000 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds each. The planned transfer includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. US officials said the package was among the largest recent transfers of these munitions.
The bombs are being provided through the Foreign Military Financing system. Under this arrangement, US funds help Israel purchase American-made weapons. The administration had informally notified key congressional committees about the proposed package. However, the transfer has faced scrutiny from some lawmakers.
The 2,000-pound bombs are powerful conventional munitions. Different versions can target underground structures or cause widespread blast effects. The planned package also includes I-2000 Penetrator warheads, according to US officials. The total package is valued at about $2.8 billion.
The proposed transfer has also prompted concerns in Congress. Representative Gregory Meeks said he would not clear the sale at this stage. He cited concerns about how the weapons could be used in populated areas. The administration has maintained that arms sales follow the required process.
The package comes after previous US decisions involving similar weapons. The Biden administration paused one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs in 2024. The Trump administration later lifted that hold. The latest package would add tens of thousands of heavy munitions to Israel’s arsenal.
