US Readies Big Sale of Bombs to Israel

The Trump administration is lining up what the Washington Post reports is Israel's biggest order of 2,000-pound bombs in years. The $2.8 billion deal would send 40,000 heavy bombs—20,000 MK-84s and 20,000 BLU-117s—plus 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads to Israel, weapons often used to level buildings and pierce thick concrete. The plan has been "informally" shared with key congressional committees, where it's expected to test Democratic unity over support for Israel, according to the Post.

The sale would dwarf similar packages approved under both Trump and Biden, and comes after Biden briefly halted shipments of MK-84s over civilian deaths in Gaza. Critics warn the weapons could again be used in crowded areas in Gaza and Lebanon. The administration declined to address humanitarian concerns, saying it does not comment on pending arms sales.