The US administration under President Donald Trump is preparing to approve the sale of 60,000 high‑explosive 2,000‑pound (907 kg) aerial bombs to Israel as part of a $2.8 billion package. Most of the cost will be covered by American taxpayers through the Foreign Military Financing program. According to US media reports, the Trump administration has already approved the deal and informally notified Congress.
There is currently no official confirmation of the sale. A senior administration official told AFP that «all foreign arms sales go through the appropriate process», but declined to comment on pending transactions. A Department of State spokesperson also noted that the agency does not comment on proposed arms sales until they are officially notified to Congress.
Details of the arms package
The package reportedly includes 20,000 MK-84 units, 20,000 BLU-117 units, and 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator units. The MK-84 is an unguided general‑purpose bomb designed for maximum explosive effect. The BLU-117 features a thermal protective coating for safe storage by the US Navy and can be equipped with precision‑guidance kits. The I-2000 Penetrator, known as a “bunker buster,” has a reinforced casing designed to breach hardened structures.
In 2024, the Joe Biden administration paused shipments of similar bombs because of criticism over civilian casualties. After returning to office, President Trump lifted that pause and, bypassing Congress, approved the sale of more than 35,500 bombs worth nearly $3 billion. In January of this year, Washington also approved a $6.67 billion arms‑sales package for Israel.
Impact and reaction
According to data from the Project on Defense Alternatives, a 2,000‑pound bomb explosion causes lethal damage within a 35‑meter radius and leaves a 5‑meter deep crater. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on war‑crimes charges, though Washington rejected the court’s jurisdiction. The total weight of the 60,000 bombs is 54,400 tons, roughly equivalent to the steel frame of the Empire State Building.
A Pentagon report confirmed that the war against Iran, which began in late February after the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is depleting US stockpiles and creating logistical hurdles. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a critic of the deal, said he will try to block the sale. Former Congress member Marjorie Taylor Greene also spoke out against it, noting: «Our tax dollars and weapons are being used to kill tens of thousands of innocent people».
Source: Al Jazeera
