Trump administration moves ahead with $2.8 billion arms package for Israel
The Trump administration is preparing to sell Israel a $2.8 billion munitions bundle that includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 submunitions.
According to a senior U.S. source, the Trump administration plans to approve a $2.8 billion arms sale to Israel that comprises 20,000 MK-84 general-purpose bombs and an equal number of BLU-117 precision guidance kits. The deal has been quietly communicated to the congressional oversight panels that assess large foreign military sales. Since the Gaza war started in 2023, American public opinion—especially among Democrats—has shifted, with a June Quinnipiac University poll indicating that nearly half of voters think the United States is overly supportive of Israel.
The 2,000-pound bombs have been employed by Israeli forces in Gaza and Lebanon, prompting criticism from rights groups. Gaza health authorities report more than 73,000 Palestinian deaths, while a U.N. inquiry has labeled Israel's actions as genocide, a charge Israel rejects. The United States and Israel have also conducted strikes against Iran, leading to retaliatory attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests in the region.
Why it matters
The sale could intensify the Gaza conflict and affect U.S. foreign-policy debates on military aid.
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