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Congress prepares $2.8bn fight as Trump pushes LARGEST-EVER heavy bomb transfer to Israel

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Congress prepares $2.8bn fight as Trump pushes LARGEST-EVER heavy bomb transfer to Israel

The Trump administration has put together a $2.8 billion military aid package for Israel that would represent the largest transfer of heavy munitions ever proposed, including 40,000 two-thousand-pound bombs. Senior congressional Democrats are already moving to block the deal: House Democrat Gregory Meeks has placed a formal hold on the sale, Bernie Sanders is urging Congress to reject the proposal outright, and Senator Chris Van Hollen has pledged that lawmakers will 'work to stop it.'

The package includes 20,000 unguided MK-84 bunker-busting bombs, 20,000 precision-guided BLU-117 warheads, and 20,000 I-2000 concrete-penetrating warheads.

Meeks said the Trump administration has failed to provide adequate assurances that the weapons will be used in accordance with US and international law in Gaza and Lebanon.

Sanders accused the administration of 'funding Israel's genocide in Gaza' as the package heads toward a full congressional showdown.

MoreThe IndependentUS set to bankroll 40,000-bomb package for Israel under TrumpFox NewsTrump wants largest-ever Israeli heavy bomb transfer — but proposal has Congress preparing for $2.8B fightAPTop Democrat places hold on Trump administration’s plan to sell heavy bombs to IsraelAl JazeeraTrump administration plans $2.8bn sale of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel - Al JazeeraThe New York TimesTrump Approves $2.8 Billion Arms Sale to Israel, Including 40,000 One-Ton Bombs - The New York TimesHouse.govMeeks Places Hold on Trump Administration’s $2.8 Billion Bomb Sale to Israel - House.govReutersTop Democrat on US House committee will not support Israel bomb sale
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