WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is preparing to approve a $2.8 billion weapons package for Israel that would include 40,000 bombs, according to U.S. officials and a person familiar with the plan cited by The Associated Press.
The package, which has not yet been finalized, would include 20,000 high-powered MK-84 bombs and BLU-117 general-purpose bombs, according to the AP report.
The MK-84 is a 2,000-pound free-fall bomb with relatively low aerodynamic resistance. The BLU-117 is another high-explosive general-purpose bomb used by the U.S. military.
The bombs come in different variants, some designed to penetrate and strike targets deep underground, while others are capable of detonating above ground and causing extensive damage.
According to AP, Congress has been informally notified about the proposed arms deal. Most of the funding would reportedly come through Foreign Military Financing, under which U.S. taxpayer funds are provided to Israel, which then uses the money to purchase weapons from U.S. suppliers.
A senior administration official told Agence France-Presse that all foreign military sales are proceeding through the appropriate procedures but declined to comment on specific ongoing transactions.
The proposed package comes amid heightened tensions involving Israel, Iran and the United States, adding to Washington’s continuing military support for Israel.
COMMENTS