A large shipment of US-made heavy bombs, which had previously been held up by the Biden administration, has finally arrived in Israel, marking a significant development in military cooperation between the two nations.
Delivery of MK-84 Munitions
The shipment, consisting of 1,800 MK-84 2,000-lb bombs, docked at Ashdod Port overnight and was swiftly transported to Israeli airbases via dozens of trucks, according to Israel’s Defense Ministry.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz welcomed the arrival, stating:
“The munitions shipment that arrived in Israel tonight, released by the Trump administration, represents a significant asset for the Air Force and the IDF and serves as further evidence of the strong alliance between Israel and the United States.”
He went on to express gratitude to President Donald Trump and his administration for their unwavering support.
Background: Biden’s Hold on Weapons Transfers
Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, the US has supplied Israel with substantial military aid, delivering over 76,000 tons of equipment via 678 transport planes and 129 ships. However, the Biden administration temporarily halted certain weapons shipments, including 1,800 2,000-lb bombs and 1,700 500-lb bombs, amid concerns over their use in densely populated areas of Gaza.
In May 2024, Biden explicitly warned that additional offensive weapons could be withheld if Israel launched a full-scale assault on Rafah, where over one million Palestinian civilians were sheltering. However, after the IDF entered Rafah in July, the 500-lb bombs were eventually released.
Trump’s Decision to Resume Arms Shipments
Following his return to office, President Trump swiftly lifted the hold on the 2,000-lb bombs, clearing the way for their delivery to Israel. The move underscores the policy shift between the previous and current US administrations regarding military support for Israel.
As tensions persist in the region, the arrival of these munitions is expected to bolster Israel’s military capabilities in its ongoing conflict.
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