Trump Administration Seeks Approval for $1 Billion Arms Deal with Israel

The Trump administration has requested congressional approval for new military transfers to Israel, totaling approximately $1 billion. The proposed arms package includes 4,700 thousand-pound bombs valued at over $700 million, as well as armored bulldozers manufactured by Caterpillar Inc., which are worth more than $300 million.

These sales come at a time when progressive members of Congress may voice opposition, particularly concerning the use of such equipment in demolishing Palestinian homes, a practice for which Israel has faced significant criticism.

However, this arms transfer request follows a previous move by President Trump to lift restrictions on 2,000-pound bombs that had been imposed by the Biden administration. Trump has stated that Israel paid for the weapons and has been waiting for them for a long time, signaling his support for the immediate release of these arms.

The request coincides with a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, D.C., where he is scheduled to meet with President Trump. The discussion is expected to focus on the fragile ceasefire and a hostage deal involving Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.

The report also reveals that Israeli officials, led by Netanyahu, are likely to push for another arms package worth over $8 billion, which had been requested by the previous U.S. administration.

While some members of Congress, particularly those from the Democratic Party, had previously managed to delay the approval of similar arms sales under the Biden administration, it remains to be seen whether they will oppose this new package.

As the request moves through Congress, it underscores the ongoing complexity of U.S.-Israel defense relations and the political divisions within the United States regarding military aid to the Middle East. The debate is likely to gain further attention as Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders continue to push for the transfer of military hardware.