Trump Administration Advances Massive $2.8 Billion Arms Deal with Israel

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in the Blue Room of the White House on July 7, 2025, in Washington, DC, as the administration prepares to finalize one of the largest single arms deals with Israel in recent years, valued at approximately US$ 2.8 billion.

This major move could spark significant controversy in the US Congress amidst escalating tensions regarding the ongoing war and Israeli policies. Citing a US official, The Washington Post revealed that the administration is preparing to sell Israel 40,000 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds each—comprising 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs—along with 20,000 “I-2000 Penetrator” warheads. Relevant congressional committees have been informally notified of the sale, which could present a new test for Democrats in Congress given the growing frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the resulting unprecedented tension between Washington and Tel Aviv.

Regarding humanitarian concerns associated with the use of these munitions, a senior US administration official stated that all foreign arms sales follow appropriate procedures and that they do not comment on pending sales.

The Washington Post noted that the volume of the new shipment exceeds previous sales of 2,000-pound munitions to Israel during the administrations of both Joe Biden and Donald Trump, including a controversial $ 2.04 billion deal that bypassed standard congressional review procedures. Former US Army explosive ordnance disposal technician Trevor Ball noted that Israeli forces tend to use this type of bomb heavily when targeting buildings, explaining that an MK-84 bomb will completely destroy a structure if Hezbollah or any other entity is inside.

According to The Washington Post, US pilots nicknamed the MK-84 bomb “The Hammer” during the first Gulf War due to its immense destructive power. This specific munition was the only 2,000-pound bomb that the administration of US President Joe Biden halted from being sent to Israel during the Gaza war, citing concerns over high Palestinian civilian casualties.

The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration is actively pressuring the leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee to secure approval for the sale, making it one of the largest US munitions deals with Israel in recent years.