Congress has been informally notified of the proposed package, but the sale is not yet final.
President Trump’s administration is preparing a proposed $2.8 billion arms sale to Israel that would include 40,000 powerful 2,000-pound bombs.
The package consists of 20,000 Mk84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, according to two U.S. officials and another person familiar with the plan who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Reuters separately confirmed the planned quantities through a U.S. official.
Congressional committees have received an informal notification, but the package has not completed the formal review process and its contents could change.
Most of the purchase would be financed through the United States’ Foreign Military Financing program. That means American taxpayer funds would be provided to Israel to purchase weapons from U.S. manufacturers.
Powerful Weapons With Serious Consequences
Mk84 and BLU-117 bombs belong to the 2,000-pound class of air-delivered munitions. Weapons in this class can be used against hardened structures and underground military facilities, but they can also produce extensive blast and fragmentation damage.
Israel says it needs powerful weapons to confront Hamas’ tunnel network and other threats from heavily armed groups supported by Iran.
The Israeli military has not publicly detailed every munition used during the Gaza war. Weapons experts examining strike footage and recovered fragments believe American-made 2,000-pound bombs have been used against Hamas targets in Gaza, including in densely populated areas where civilians were also killed.
The Biden administration paused one shipment of the bombs in 2024 because of concerns about mass casualties. President Trump lifted that hold after returning to office.
President Trump’s administration subsequently approved a nearly $3 billion package containing more than 35,500 heavy bombs and announced another series of Israel arms sales totaling $6.67 billion in January.
Congress Will Have an Opportunity to Respond
Informal notification ordinarily gives congressional foreign-affairs committees an opportunity to review a proposed sale before the administration issues a formal public notice.
Members of Congress can seek additional information, request conditions or introduce resolutions opposing a sale. Blocking an arms package generally requires sufficient support to overcome presidential opposition, making congressional cancellation difficult.
Supporters will argue that the weapons strengthen an essential American ally facing continuing threats from Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.
Critics are expected to question the scale of the package, its financing by American taxpayers and the possibility that the weapons could cause additional civilian deaths if used in populated areas.
The proposal also comes as Congress debates the scope of American military involvement in the region. The House recently approved a resolution challenging unauthorized U.S. hostilities with Iran.
The Continuing Gaza Conflict
The Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Israel responded with a military campaign intended to destroy Hamas and recover the hostages.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed during the ensuing war. Its public total does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
A fragile ceasefire has reduced the heaviest fighting, but Israeli strikes and attacks against Israeli troops have continued. Israel says some of its operations respond to ceasefire violations by Hamas and other armed groups.
Why This Matters
The proposed sale involves Israel’s ability to defend its population, America’s strategic commitments, billions of taxpayer dollars and weapons capable of causing severe destruction.
Those interests require careful scrutiny rather than slogans. Reporting should neither minimize the threats Israel faces nor ignore the consequences that heavy bombs can have when used near civilians.
The package remains a proposal. Informal congressional notification is not the same as final approval or completed delivery.
THRIVE! Perspective
Romans 13:4 recognizes civil government’s responsibility to restrain violence and protect people from those who do evil. Israel has a legitimate right—and responsibility—to defend its citizens against terrorism.
That right does not make every weapon or tactical decision automatically wise. Proverbs 24:11 calls God’s people to care about those being led toward death. Concern for innocent Palestinian lives is not hostility toward Israel, just as support for Israel’s security is not indifference to Palestinian suffering.
American leaders should examine the package’s military purpose, safeguards, oversight and likely consequences. Christians should reject both antisemitism and the dehumanization of Palestinians while praying for the defeat of terrorism, the protection of civilians, the return of hostages and a just peace.
