Trump administration plans $2.8bn sale of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel

What the report says

The Trump administration is preparing a $2.8bn arms package for Israel that would include 40,000 US-made 2,000-pound bombs, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera from the Washington Post and AFP. The proposed sale, which would be financed through Foreign Military Financing, also includes MK-84 bombs, BLU-117 variants and I-2000 Penetrator warheads intended for hardened targets.

Al Jazeera reported that the deal has been informally shared with congressional committees but has not yet gone through formal notification. US officials declined to comment on the proposal beyond saying foreign arms sales are moving through the normal process. The package comes as the MK-84 has drawn scrutiny because of its destructive power and its use in conflicts where civilian harm has been a major concern.

The report said Israel has used 907kg bombs repeatedly in Gaza and Lebanon, including in areas designated as safe for civilians, prompting criticism from rights groups. It also noted that the Biden administration had paused one shipment of similar bombs in 2024 over civilian casualty concerns before Trump reversed that decision after returning to office.

The proposed sale has triggered pushback in Washington and abroad, with critics arguing it could deepen civilian suffering and further entrench US support for Israel’s military campaign. Al Jazeera said the timing is also seen by analysts as significant amid strain between Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and growing unease over unconditional military assistance.