Trump Administration Approves $3 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

On February 28, 2025, the Trump administration announced a significant arms sale to Israel, totaling nearly $3 billion. The approval comes without the usual congressional review process, indicating the urgency of the deal amid escalating tensions in the region.

Details of the Arms Sale

The State Department confirmed that it has authorized the sale of over 35,500 MK 84 and BLU-117 bombs, along with 4,000 Predator warheads. The total value of these munitions is approximately $2.04 billion. In addition, Israel will acquire Caterpillar D9 Bulldozers and related equipment for an estimated cost of $295 million, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has also stated that additional munitions worth about $675.7 million will be manufactured by Repkon USA and The Boeing Company, with deliveries starting in 2028.

Ceasefire Negotiations

This arms sale arrives at a crucial moment, as the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to expire soon. This ceasefire had halted 15 months of intense conflict, allowing for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Both parties seem willing to continue their truce, while U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators engage in talks to navigate the next steps. The details for the second phase of the ceasefire were initially meant to be discussed weeks ago, but the talks faced postponements due to disputes over alleged violations of the current agreement.

Future Steps

According to the terms of the ongoing ceasefire that began on January 19, the next phase would require Hamas to release all remaining living hostages from the October 7, 2023 attack, in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The truce would also aim for a lasting ceasefire and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Recently, Hamas has released 33 hostages, both living and deceased, in return for over 1,700 Palestinian prisoners. However, the militant group still possesses 59 captives, with 32 presumed dead.

Amid these developments, Israel is reportedly pursuing an extension of the initial ceasefire phase to secure the release of more captives.

Israel, Arms, Ceasefire