Trump Admin Pushes “Sale” of $2.8B in Heavy Bombs to Israel
NEWS & RESEARCH
The Trump administration is proposing to Congress the “sale” of $2.8 billion of heavy bombs to Israel, including 40,000 one-ton bombs and 20,000 bunker-busing warheads. The $2.8 billion would come from US taxpayers via the Pentagon’s budget, which would transfer the funds to the Israeli military that would then purchase the munitions from US weapons makers. According to the New York Times, “U.S. military officers have said such bombs are unsuitable for urban combat.” The bombs can be set to detonate above ground, sending shrapnel 1,000 feet, or, with delayed fuses, to explode underground. A documentary, NAZA (meaning collateral damage), by Israeli filmmakers presents the testimony of 24 Israeli defense and intelligence personnel that the Israeli military used digital tracking to conduct strikes, knowing massive numbers of civilians would die. In mid-2024, the Biden administration had paused a shipment of one-ton bombs to Israel due to concerns about their use in civilian areas. And in late 2024, the Biden administration received intelligence that Israeli military lawyers had evidence of potential Israeli war crimes. Despite legal frameworks that such information could have mandated a halt to arms shipments and intelligence sharing, the Biden administration deferred any further action to the incoming Trump administration. Gregory Meeks, the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs committee, announced he will not clear the Trump administration’s sale due to concerns that those munitions would not be used in accordance with US and international law. However, it would takd veto proof majorities in both chambers to stop the sale.
SOURCES: Reuters | New York Times | The Guardian | Haaretz | New York Times
ANALYSIS & OPINION
The proposed weapons sales package could be timed to impact the mid-terms with Trump trying to peel off pro-Israel voters as increasing numbers of Democrats oppose offensive military aid to Israel. It also may be an effort to replenish Israel’s ammunitions before a less Israel-hospitable Congress may be seated in January. Human rights groups have condemned Israel for dropping heavy bombs on densely populated civilian areas. Congress could block the sale of the heavy bombs to Israel but it would require a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate to override a presidential veto. Critics of the Biden administration, including those cited by The Huffington Post, argue this decision reinforced a "blank check" perception for Israel while signaling a disregard for Palestinian lives and international law. A former official noted that while the analytical evidence for triggering security assistance bans was clear, the administration lacked the "backbone" to enforce them.
SOURCES: Huffington Post | New York Times
HOW TO FIX IT
Federal action:
Passage the AWARE Act of 2026 which expresses the sense of Congress regarding the conduct by the Netanyahu administration in Gaza and imposes sanctions to discourage governments from obstructing humanitarian assistance.
Pass H.R. 3565 by Rep.Ramirez, a bill that places limits on arm sales to Israel, including BLU-117 bombs, included in Trump’s proposed weapons sale.
Block further weapons sales to Israel for use in Gaza.
Back State Department investigations into human rights violations under the Leahy Laws.
Endorse independent international investigations, including those by the International Criminal Court, and oppose sanctions against the court.
Legislation: S.3634 - AWARE Act of 2026 | H.R.3565 - To provide for a limitation on the transfer of defense articles and defense services to Israel.
