Trump administration readies $2.8 billion sale of 40,000 bombs to Israel, Washington Post reports

September 15, 2026 at 11:45 PM2 min

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The Trump administration is preparing to sell Israel 40,000 bombs worth $2.8 billion, the Washington Post reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials. The package includes 20,000 MK-84 and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, plus 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads. An informal notification has been sent to Congress, with a formal one expected soon.

Key Facts

The proposed sale totals $2.8 billion and includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs, 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, and 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads.
An informal notification has been sent to the U.S. Congress, with a formal notification expected soon.
The MK-84 bomb is known for its destructive power, with metal fragments dispersing hundreds of meters and the ability to penetrate metal and thick concrete.
In 2025, the Trump administration bypassed congressional review to approve a $2.04 billion arms sale to Israel.

Proposed Arms Package

The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration is preparing one of the largest arms sales to Israel in recent history. The package includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, each weighing about one ton. It also includes 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads, with a total value of $2.8 billion. An unnamed U.S. official said all foreign arms sales go through proper procedures and declined to comment on uncompleted sales.

Congressional Notification

An informal notification has been made to the U.S. Congress, and a formal notification is expected in the near future. The sale is seen as a litmus test for Democrats, according to the Washington Post. In 2025, the Trump administration bypassed the congressional review process to approve a $2.04 billion arms sale to Israel. That sale sparked debates between Democrats and Republicans in Congress.

MK-84 Bomb Capabilities

The MK-84 bomb has been used repeatedly by Israel, particularly in Gaza. After detonation, its metal fragments disperse hundreds of meters, and it can penetrate metal and thick concrete. The bomb also creates large craters in the ground.