Human rights and faith groups press Congress to halt $2.8 billion bomb sale to Israel

Human rights, faith-based and foreign-policy groups numbering more than 50 have appealed to Congress to reject a $2.8 billion weapons package slated for Israel. In a letter circulated to lawmakers, groups such as Human Rights Watch, Oxfam America, Amnesty International USA and the Episcopal Church warned that approving the sale would act as a "blank check" for further civilian harm. The State Department recently informed congressional committees of an intended transfer that includes 40,000 2,000-pound MK-84 and BLU-117 bombs and 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads, with most costs covered by Foreign Military Financing.

The coalition cites documented Israeli use of comparable bombs in Gaza and Lebanon, where they have created large craters in areas designated for civilian safety. Media outlets and the UN human-rights office have reported these weapons’ devastating impact on densely populated zones. The groups are urging a joint resolution of disapproval to stop the transaction before it proceeds.