The Trump administration is preparing a proposed $2.8 billion arms package for Israel that includes 60,000 heavy munitions, according to Reuters and AP reports. The package consists of 40,000 2,000-pound bombs and 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads.

40,000 2,000-pound bombs

The proposed package includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, each weighing 2,000 pounds, or about 907 kilograms. It also includes 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads designed for hardened or underground targets.

The proposed sale has been informally communicated to relevant congressional committees, but the deal has not yet reached its final stage.

Concerns over civilian safety

The proposed transfer has drawn renewed attention because similar heavy munitions have been used in Gaza and Lebanon, where civilian casualties and damage in densely populated areas have been a major concern.

The Biden administration had previously paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs in 2024 amid concerns about potential civilian casualties. The Trump administration later reversed that suspension.

Congressional objections

Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he would not support the proposed sale. He cited concerns about how the weapons could be used in densely populated areas of Gaza and Lebanon and whether their use would comply with US and international law.

However, congressional opposition from an individual lawmaker does not automatically prevent the sale. Reuters reported that the president could potentially bypass the normal congressional review process by declaring an emergency national-security need.

Wider debate over US military support

The proposed sale comes amid continued debate in the United States over military assistance to Israel during the Gaza conflict. Israel has described its military operations as measures against Hamas and as self-defence following the October 2023 attack, while international organisations and rights groups have raised concerns over civilian casualties and destruction.

Deal is not yet final

The reported $2.8 billion package remains a proposal. Its final approval, formal notification to Congress and delivery schedule will depend on the subsequent US government process.