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The administration of US President Donald Trump is planning to sell Israel 40,000 powerful 2,000-pound bombs in an arms package worth approximately $2.8 billion. International media reports say the deal could be the largest single bomb sale in recent years.
According to a *Washington Post* report cited by NDTV, the proposed package includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, along with 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads. A significant portion of the cost would be covered through the US Foreign Military Financing program, meaning US taxpayer funds would help finance the purchase.
The MK-84 is considered one of the most powerful conventional bombs used by Western militaries. Its blast can send metal fragments thousands of feet and is capable of penetrating thick concrete and metal structures. The bomb can also create large craters upon detonation.
Israel has previously used these 2,000-pound bombs extensively in Gaza and Lebanon. Human rights experts have raised concerns over their use in densely populated areas, warning of the potential for large numbers of civilian casualties. Amid such concerns, the Biden administration suspended shipments of the bombs two years ago. After returning to office, however, Trump lifted the restriction.
Israel has faced growing international pressure over its military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack. The latest proposed arms sale is being viewed as part of the Trump administration’s continued efforts to strengthen Israel’s military capabilities.
Analysts also say the deal could signal renewed warmth in relations between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly following recent cooperation between the two countries over Iran.
Last year, the Trump administration approved an arms sale to Israel worth nearly $3 billion while bypassing the usual congressional review process. The package included more than 35,500 bombs. In January this year, another $6.67 billion arms sale was approved.
The Israeli military has released limited information about the weapons used in Gaza. However, experts analyzing attack videos and remnants from explosions believe US-made bombs have been used there. Israel says the strikes targeted Hamas’s tunnel network. Critics, however, argue that such attacks in densely populated areas have resulted in the deaths of large numbers of civilians. Source: NDTV.
