WASHINGTON, — The Trump administration plans to sell Israel a munitions package worth $2.8 billion, according to a US official familiar with the deal.
The package would include tens of thousands of 2,000-pound bombs. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the sale has not yet been formally announced.
Sale Includes 40,000 Large Bombs
The planned sale includes 20,000 MK 84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, the official said.
The administration has informally notified relevant congressional committees about the proposed sale. Congress reviews major US arms sales to foreign countries.
The US State Department and the Israeli Embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Bombs Used in Gaza and Lebanon
Israel has regularly used 2,000-pound bombs in Gaza and Lebanon. Their use has drawn scrutiny from rights experts.
According to Gaza health authorities, more than 73,000 Palestinians have died during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
A UN inquiry has also accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel rejects the allegation.
Israel says its military campaign is an act of self-defense. The campaign followed the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023.
The attack killed about 1,200 people and resulted in more than 250 hostages being taken, according to Israeli figures.
US Public Opinion on Israel
US public opinion about support for Israel has also shifted since the Gaza war began in 2023.
A June Quinnipiac University poll found that 48% of voters said the United States is too supportive of Israel. Among Democrats, the figure reached 66%.
The poll showed an increase from 16% of voters and 20% of Democrats when Quinnipiac first asked the question in 2017.
Regional Conflict Adds to Concerns
The proposed arms sale comes amid wider regional tensions.
The United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, according to the source. Iran then launched strikes against Israel and Gulf states that host US military bases.
US and Israeli strikes on Iran, along with Israeli attacks in Lebanon, have killed thousands of people and displaced millions, according to the source.
