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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/world/middleeast/israel-one-ton-bombs-us.html
Why Israel Wants More Bombs from the U.S.
(New York Times) David M. Halbfinger - The U.S. has agreed to sell Israel 20,000 Mk-84 and 20,000 BLU-117 one-ton bombs, as well as 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads, which explode on delay after busting through a surface like soil, rock or concrete. Experts describe one-ton bombs as a workhorse of the Israeli Air Force, which has operated in seven theaters of conflict over the past few years: Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Yemen and Iraq. Those campaigns have severely depleted the air force's munitions. One former air force commander said that Israel had learned it was necessary to amass a multiyear supply, in case of delays in replenishing stocks, and that 40,000 one-ton bombs were considered a full supply. "The traditional concept of Israel's defense doctrine was short wars," said Maj.-Gen (ret.) Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence. "If you're in a strategy of long wars, you need more ammunition." Yadlin said the arms deal sends an important signal to Israel's enemies that the U.S. still has its back. "This is a way to show that, even if there are some differences, on the basic security of Israel, the U.S. is still a very strong ally." Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Wednesday he had placed a hold on the proposed sale, citing concerns about the bombs' potential use in Gaza and Lebanon. Such holds are part of an informal congressional review process and are not necessarily binding.