The weapons package is being described as one of the larger US arms sales to Israel. About half of the bombs are reportedly MK-84 heavy bombs, each weighing roughly one tonne, while the remainder are BLU-117 bunker-buster bombs.
Reports say Israel has previously used heavy bombs of this type in Gaza, where their use has been associated with extensive damage to buildings and the creation of large craters.
The latest approval marks a change from the previous US administration. During President Joe Biden’s tenure, Washington temporarily withheld a shipment of certain heavy bombs to Israel amid concerns over their potential use in Gaza.
The Trump administration has now approved the new arms sale, adding to the substantial flow of US military equipment to Israel.