Trump Administration Approves Nearly $3 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration has recently approved a significant arms sale to Israel, amounting to nearly $3 billion. This decision has been made without the typical congressional review process and involves supplying Israel with more of the 2,000-pound bombs that have been employed in its conflict against Hamas in Gaza.

Late Friday, the State Department sent a series of notifications to Congress indicating that the sale of over 35,500 MK 84 and BLU-117 bombs and 4,000 Predator warheads worth $2.04 billion has been approved. Additionally, the State Department has authorized Israel to purchase Caterpillar D9 Bulldozers along with associated equipment at an estimated cost of $295 million. It is expected that deliveries from the Texas-based company will start in 2027.

Furthermore, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency confirmed a munitions sale to Israel costing around $675.7 million. This equipment will be produced by Boeing based in St. Charles, Missouri, and Repkon USA located in Tampa, Florida, with deliveries anticipated to begin in 2028.

This arms sale is particularly notable as it coincides with the expiration of the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, set to end on Saturday. This ceasefire has been pivotal in halting 15 months of conflict, allowing the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Both parties appear willing to extend their truce as negotiation teams from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are facilitating discussions aimed at transitioning to the next phase of the ceasefire. Initial plans to negotiate the details of this phase were supposed to take place weeks ago; however, discussions encountered delays due to disagreements between Israel and Hamas regarding alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The current ceasefire, which commenced on January 19, mandates Hamas to release all remaining living hostages from the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack that instigated the war. In return, Hamas seeks the release of more Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, along with a perpetual ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

Over the last six weeks, Hamas has released a total of 33 hostages, both living and deceased, in exchange for over 1,700 Palestinian prisoners. Presently, Hamas still retains 59 hostages, with 32 suspected to be deceased.

Israel is reportedly pursuing an extension of the current ceasefire phase to obtain the freedom of additional captives.

Arms, Israel, Hamas