The Trump administration is reportedly preparing an arms package for Israel valued at USD 2.8 billion, which includes 40,000 advanced 2,000-pound bombs. This information has emerged from two US officials and an individual knowledgeable about the deal. Although the arrangement is not yet finalised, it involves munitions that had their delivery postponed by the Biden administration two years ago due to concerns regarding potential mass casualties in Gaza.

Congress has been informally informed about the anticipated deal, the majority of which is set to be financed through foreign military funding. Under this arrangement, funds derived from US taxpayers are allocated to Israel for purchasing US-made weapons. This arms package represents the latest initiative by the Trump administration aimed at bolstering Israel’s military capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which persists despite a fragile ceasefire mediated by the United States.

Components of the Proposed Sale

Reports indicate that the proposed arms package comprises 20,000 Mk84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. The details of this sale were first highlighted by The Washington Post and arrive at a time when Israel is facing escalated international scrutiny amid its military operations in Gaza, especially following the catastrophic attacks orchestrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The initiative also hints that any existing tensions between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have not undermined the broader allegiance between the US and Israel.

Despite occasional friction, particularly in relation to the conflict with Iran following military actions initiated in February, the relationship between the two leaders appears to remain intact. While Trump previously voiced dissatisfaction with Netanyahu regarding the Iran issue before their meeting at the White House in July, the current proposed sale signifies ongoing military support.

In 2024, the Biden administration had previously suspended a shipment of these bombs, but Trump reportedly lifted this hold shortly after assuming office once again. Additionally, the Trump administration bypassed the standard congressional review process to approve a nearly USD 3 billion sale to Israel last year, which also involved over 35,500 bombs. Another series of arms sales worth USD 6.67 billion was authorised for Israel in January, reflecting the US’s strong military backing.

Impact of Military Operations

The 2,000-pound bombs included in the proposed sale vary in design, with some tailored for deep underground targets while others can cause significant damage when detonated above ground. Although the Israeli military has revealed little information about the munitions used in Gaza, analysis of strike footage and remnants at attack sites suggests that US-manufactured bombs have been deployed, targeting Hamas’s tunnel network, while also resulting in civilian casualties in populated areas.

Even as the most intense fighting in Gaza has subsided following the fragile ceasefire enacted in October, Israeli airstrikes have continued, with recent attacks occurring overnight and on Tuesday resulting in additional fatalities. These military actions have persisted despite Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a major negotiator in Middle Eastern affairs, meeting with Netanyahu last month to advocate for a reduction in hostilities.

In the broader context, the tragic attack carried out by Hamas in October 2023 claimed approximately 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. In response, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have reportedly accounted for over 73,264 Palestinian fatalities, as per data from Gaza’s Health Ministry. This proposed arms sale underscores Washington’s sustained military support for Israel amidst ongoing conflict and heightened humanitarian concerns that continue to attract global scrutiny.

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