The United States is moving toward approving a new $2.8 billion arms deal with Israel, including 40,000 one-ton bombs, according to US media reports.
The Washington Post reported that the package, funded by US taxpayers, includes some of the most lethal munitions in Western arsenals. It comprises 20,000 MK-84 bombs, 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, and 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator bunker-busting warheads.
Separately, The New York Times quoted a US official as saying that President Donald Trump’s administration had approved the deal.
A senior US administration official told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that “all foreign military sales are proceeding through established procedures,” but declined to comment on deals that are still being finalized.
A US State Department spokesperson said the department does not confirm or comment on proposed arms sales before they are formally notified to Congress.
The reported deal comes as the US Department of Defense has acknowledged an ammunition “shortage” linked to the war in Iran, with Washington spending $22.3 billion on munitions between February 28 and June 30.
In February 2025, the Trump administration approved a $7.4 billion arms sale to Israel that included bombs, missiles and related equipment, including MK-84 munitions.
The administration of former President Joe Biden had previously suspended a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs over concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza. The Trump administration approved their delivery after taking office in early 2025.
Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP)
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