US prepares $2.8 billion bomb sale to Israel amid civilian casualty concerns

Washington officials have expressed heightened alarm over the continued use of a particular class of munitions in the Israel‑Gaza conflict, citing the weapons’ propensity to cause extensive civilian casualties in the densely populated enclave. The Biden administration, which has been closely monitoring the humanitarian impact of the war, flagged the bombs as “disproportionate” and inconsistent with U.S. commitments to protect non‑combatants, prompting internal reviews of arms‑sale authorizations and diplomatic outreach to Israel.

U.S. State Department and Pentagon spokespeople have underscored that the risk of unexploded ordnance and wide‑area effects inherent to the weapons could exacerbate the already severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over two million people live in close quarters. The administration’s concerns have led to renewed discussions with Israeli officials about targeting protocols and the possibility of restricting future transfers of the munitions. While the United States continues to support Israel’s right to self‑defense, it emphasizes adherence to international humanitarian law and the mitigation of civilian harm as conditions for ongoing military assistance.