Politics · India Bureau
US to supply Israel with 40,000 powerful bombs in $2.8bn arms deal
The Trump administration plans to deliver 2,000-pound bombs to Israel in a major weapons package that the previous administration had paused over civilian casualty concerns in Gaza. The $2.8 billion deal includes Mk84 and BLU-117 ordnance, with funding largely provided through US military aid to Israel.
LSN India ·
The United States is moving forward with plans to supply Israel with 40,000 large bombs as part of a significant military package, according to defence officials and sources familiar with the arrangement. The deal, valued at $2.8 billion, comprises 20,000 Mk84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 ordnance, marking a substantial enhancement to Israeli military capabilities.
The Biden administration had previously halted deliveries of similar 2,000-pound bombs to Israel in 2022, citing concerns about potential mass casualties among Palestinian civilians in Gaza operations. The decision reflected international pressure over the humanitarian impact of the conflict in the Palestinian territory.
Most of the proposed sale will be funded through US Foreign Military Financing, a programme that provides American taxpayer funds directly to Israel for weapons purchases from US manufacturers. Congress has been informally notified of the pending transaction, though final approval remains outstanding.
The arms package represents the latest in a series of Trump administration measures aimed at bolstering Israeli military capabilities. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction across the enclave, drawing international scrutiny regarding the scale and nature of military operations.