US Reportedly Moves Toward $2.8 Billion Arms Package for Israel
WASHINGTON, September 16, 2026 — The US government is reportedly moving toward approving an arms package worth approximately US$2.8 billion for Israel, according to US media reports, in what would be one of the larger munitions packages supplied to the country in recent years.
The reported package includes approximately 40,000 one-ton bombs, with The Washington Post reporting that the proposed transfer includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs, 20,000 BLU-117 bombs and 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads.
The New York Times reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump had approved the sale, citing a US official.
However, US officials have not publicly confirmed the details of the reported package. A senior administration official told AFP that foreign arms sales are being processed through the appropriate procedures but declined to comment on pending transactions.
A US State Department spokesperson also told AFP that the department does not normally confirm or comment on proposed arms sales before they have been formally notified to Congress.
Report Comes Amid US Munitions Concerns
The reported development comes as the United States faces concerns over its own munitions stocks. US military inventories have been affected by recent military operations, including the conflict with Iran, while Washington has spent billions of dollars on munitions.
According to figures cited in the reports, the United States spent approximately US$22.3 billion on munitions between February 28 and June 30.
The reported package would follow earlier US arms transfers to Israel. In February 2025, the Trump administration approved more than US$7.4 billion in bombs, missiles and related military equipment for Israel, including MK-84 munitions.
Previous Restrictions on Large Bombs
The issue of large US-made bombs supplied to Israel has previously drawn attention over concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza.
During former President Joe Biden’s administration, a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel was held amid concerns over their potential use in densely populated areas.
Following President Trump’s return to office in early 2025, his administration approved the release of those bombs.
The latest reported arms package has not yet been formally confirmed by the US government, and further details are expected to emerge through the formal congressional notification process.
