Trump Administration Seeks Congressional Approval for $1 Billion Arms Package to Israel

The Trump administration has formally requested Congressional approval for a new $1 billion arms package to Israel, despite growing global concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The proposed deal includes thousands of precision-guided bombs and armored bulldozers, reinforcing Israel’s military capabilities amid ongoing tensions.

Breakdown of the Arms Package
According to US officials familiar with the matter, the arms deal includes:
4,500 BLU-110 1,000-pound bombs, designed for strategic airstrikes.
200 Mk-83 general-purpose bombs, known for their destructive power.
Caterpillar-built D9 armored bulldozers, frequently used by Israel for demolishing Palestinian infrastructure.

The request coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, where he is meeting with President Donald Trump to discuss US-Israel defense cooperation and regional strategies.

Congressional Hurdles and Democratic Resistance
While Republican lawmakers largely support the arms package, Democratic members of Congress have expressed concerns over its humanitarian implications. Some lawmakers have called for conditional aid, linking future support to Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian laws.