**US Plans to Send Bombs to Israel in $2.8 Billion Weapons Deal**
*By Jeremiah Fisayo-Bambi, Euronews World*
*Published on September 16, 2026*
The United States is poised to deliver a significant arms package to Israel, consisting of 40,000 bombs as part of a $2.8 billion deal. This agreement includes the provision of 2,000-pound (900 kg) Mk84 and BLU-117 aircraft bombs, according to two US officials and a source familiar with the arrangement who requested anonymity.
Concerns surrounding these weapons have previously been raised, particularly during the Biden administration, due to the potential for large civilian casualties in densely populated areas such as Gaza. The delivery of these bombs was initially put on hold two years ago but was reinstated following the return of Donald Trump to office, who lifted the hold.
Congress has been informally notified about the impending deal, which is largely funded through foreign military financing. This system allows US taxpayer dollars to be allocated to Israel, which then uses those funds to procure weapons from the United States.
This arms deal is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to bolster Israel's military capabilities amid ongoing tensions in the region. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life, with tens of thousands of Palestinians reported dead and the enclave suffering extensive destruction. Despite a fragile ceasefire brokered by the US, violence has persisted.
The announcement of this arms package comes at a time when Israel faces increasing international isolation due to its military actions in Gaza, particularly following the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023. While the relationship between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly experienced strain, the military partnership between the US and Israel remains robust.
In February, the two countries engaged in military operations against Iran, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Trump has previously expressed frustration with Netanyahu regarding the Iran conflict, particularly before their recent meeting in July at the White House.
This latest arms deal follows a pattern established by the Trump administration, which has previously bypassed standard congressional review processes to expedite military sales to Israel. In the past year alone, the administration approved nearly $3 billion in arms sales that included over 35,500 bombs, with an additional $6.67 billion in arms sales authorized in January.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, this deal underscores the ongoing commitment of the US to support Israel's military efforts, despite the complex and often contentious nature of international relations in the region.