Washington set to approve $2.8 billion arms package for Israel

The US federal government is preparing to approve a $2.8 billion arms package for Israel, US media reported Tuesday, in what would be one of the largest munitions deals in recent years. The package includes 40,000 one-ton bombs.

The Washington Post reported that the package, which would be funded by US taxpayers, includes some of the most powerful munitions in Western arsenals, including 20,000 MK-84 bombs, 20,000 BLU-117s and 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads.

The New York Times, citing a US official, reported that President Donald Trump's administration had approved the sale.

A senior administration official told AFP that “all foreign arms sales are moving through the appropriate process” but declined to comment on pending transactions.

A State Department spokesperson also told AFP that, as a matter of policy, the department does not confirm or comment on proposed arms sales until they are formally notified to Congress.

The reported deal comes as the US military faces a shortage of munitions, with stocks being depleted by the war with Iran. The United States spent $22.3 billion on munitions between February 28 and June 30.

In February 2025, the Trump administration approved more than $7.4 billion in arms sales to Israel, including bombs, missiles and related equipment such as MK-84 munitions.

The administration of former President Joe Biden had previously withheld a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel over concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza. The Trump administration approved the shipment after taking office in early 2025.