The Trump administration has approved a $2.8 billion sale of heavy munitions to Israel, marking one of the largest arms deliveries from the United States amid ongoing tension over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. According to a U.S. official, the proposed package includes 40,000 one-ton bombs, consisting of 20,000 each of the MK-84 and BLU-117 models, as well as 20,000 bunker-busting 1,200-pound warheads designed to penetrate through hardened surfaces before detonating.
These types of munitions have drawn international criticism due to their wide blast radius, which has been linked to civilian casualties in densely populated areas where Israel has targeted militant groups. Human rights organizations and some foreign governments have condemned Israel’s use of such bombs, highlighting incidents where single strikes caused multiple civilian deaths.
The State Department recently submitted the proposed deal to two congressional committees for informal review. While production and delivery typically span months or years, the process can be accelerated under certain conditions. The Trump administration’s previous large-scale deal with Israel, approved earlier this year, totaled approximately $2.7 billion and included 35,000 of the same types of one-ton bombs.
Congress has limited power to block these sales, as the Secretary of State holds emergency authorities to bypass congressional approval. Under such circumstances, the administration can proceed with arms transfers unless both the House and Senate pass a resolution overriding a presidential veto—a challenging legislative hurdle requiring a two-thirds majority in each chamber.
This latest arms package arrives amid a backdrop of shifting U.S. political dynamics regarding support for Israel. Some Democrats in Congress have voiced strong opposition to continuing aid in light of the significant civilian toll resulting from Israel’s military response following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023. At the same time, criticism has also emerged from unexpected quarters within former President Trump’s base. Media personality Tucker Carlson openly condemned Israel’s actions and warned that boosting its military capacity could exacerbate regional conflict, including the joint U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran initiated in February.
The destructive capability of the one-ton bombs is notable, with blast effects extending over 1,000 feet and leaving craters as deep as 50 feet. Israel’s deployment of hundreds of these munitions on Gaza has triggered widespread international outcry.
Despite recent disputes with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over military campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, the Trump administration’s authorization of this significant arms sale underscores continued strong support for Israel. Netanyahu is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week to address world leaders.
The State Department declined immediate comment on the proposed deal. Meanwhile, the evolving debate over U.S. military aid highlights the complexities facing American policymakers amid ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns in the region.