Trump Administration Plans $2.8 Billion Arms Sale to Israel Including 40,000 Heavy Bombs; Biden Had Blocked Due to Humanitarian Concerns
Summary: The Trump administration is preparing an arms package valued at $2.8 billion for Israel, which includes nearly 40,000 heavy bombs. The package consists of 20,000 MK-84 and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. The agreement has not yet been finalized. The Biden administration had halted the supply of these 2,000-pound bombs in 2024 due to concerns over humanitarian damage in Gaza.
September 17, Kathmandu – The U.S. administration under former President Donald Trump is making preparations to provide Israel with an arms package worth $2.8 billion. This package includes approximately 40,000 heavy bombs, each weighing 2,000 pounds (around 900 kilograms). The supply of these bombs had been paused by then-President Joe Biden in 2024.
The proposed weapons package includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. However, the agreement has not been finalized yet. U.S. officials have informally notified Congress about the deal.
The supply was previously halted due to fears of significant humanitarian casualties in Gaza. In 2024, the Biden administration blocked a shipment of these 2,000-pound bombs to Israel amid concerns that their use in densely populated areas like Gaza could result in extensive loss of civilian lives.
After Trump was re-elected, this restriction was lifted. His administration is now preparing a new arms deal that includes large quantities of these bombs. Various models of these approximately 900-kilogram bombs exist, with some designed to target underground structures and others to detonate on the surface, causing widespread damage.
Experts analyzing videos of attacks in Gaza and bomb fragments from attack sites have identified the use of American-made bombs. Some of these bombs have reportedly been used to target Hamas’s tunnel networks. However, attacks in densely populated areas have also resulted in civilian casualties.
Trump had previously approved arms deals worth billions to Israel. Last year, his administration authorized the sale of weapons valued at nearly $3 billion, including over 35,500 heavy bombs, to Israel. In January, approval was granted for an additional arms sale worth approximately $6.67 billion for Israel.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas led an assault in southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Following this, Israel launched a military operation in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 73,264 Palestinians have died as a result of the Israeli military campaign, including those killed even after ceasefire agreements.
Although a ceasefire was mediated by the United States, violence has not fully ceased in Gaza. Attacks from the Israeli side continue, and there are ongoing violent confrontations between Hamas-affiliated militants and Israeli soldiers.
(With contributions from agencies)
