US Set to Sell $2.8 Billion in Bombs to Israel

The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing to sell $2.8 billion worth of bombs to Israel, in what The Washington Post describes as the largest such deal in years. The package includes 40,000 one-ton bombs, among them 20,000 MK 84 munitions, also known as "hammer bombs." The paper notes that their explosions send metal fragments in every direction, can tear through metal and thick concrete, and often leave large craters.

The New York Times reports that the sale will serve as a test for the Democratic Party, as frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has created unprecedented strain in US-Israel relations.

Controversy Around Ed Sheeran's Tour

Tensions over Israel and Palestine are also playing out elsewhere — around singer Ed Sheeran's concert tour. Entertainment Weekly reports that US rapper Macklemore was dropped from the tour after repeatedly voicing support for Palestine on stage. Following his removal, all of Sheeran's opening acts and his backing band withdrew from the tour in solidarity with the rapper.

Rolling Stone reports that billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium where Sheeran was scheduled to perform, reportedly rallied other stadium owners to effectively ban Macklemore from their venues. Left-leaning political figures, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have publicly criticized the move, warning it sets a dangerous precedent for censorship.

Meanwhile, The Washington Post and The Guardian report on troubles within the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), where officers hired rapidly and without proper vetting are now being quietly dismissed, while pregnant women in detention reportedly are not receiving adequate care.

In France, the music world mourns the announced death of singer and artist Catherine Ringer.