Washington set to approve US$2.8bil arms package for Israel

The United States federal government is poised to endorse a $2.8 billion arms package for Israel, according to US media reports on Tuesday. This sale, which includes some of the most potent munitions in Western arsenals, is among the largest munitions deals struck in recent years.

The package, funded by US taxpayer dollars, comprises 40,000 one-ton bombs, 20,000 MK-84s, 20,000 BLU-117s, and 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads. These munitions are among the deadliest in the world, highlighting the intensity of the conflict between Israel and its adversaries.

The Trump administration had greenlit the sale, with a senior administration official confirming to AFP that all foreign arms sales undergo the appropriate process. However, the State Department spokesperson declined to comment on pending transactions, sticking to the Department's policy of not confirming or commenting until the sale is formally notified to Congress.

The arms deal comes amid a severe munitions shortage within the US military, exacerbated by the prolonged war with Iran and the substantial spending on munitions by the US, amounting to $22.3 billion between February 28 and June 30. In February 2025, the Trump administration had approved the sale of over $7.4 billion worth of bombs, missiles, and related equipment to Israel, including MK-84 munitions.

Following criticism over civilian casualties in Gaza, former President Joe Biden's administration had halted a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. However, the Trump administration reversed this decision after assuming power in early 2025, justifying the move by citing the urgent need for replenishing US arsenals.