Israel receives shipment of heavy bombs cleared by Trump

Israel has obtained a delivery of heavy MK-84 bombs from the United States after U.S. President Donald Trump removed a restriction on the export of these munitions that was set by the previous administration under Joe Biden, the defense ministry announced on Sunday.

The MK-84 is a non-guided 2,000 pound bomb that can penetrate dense concrete and metal, producing a large blast radius. The Biden administration refused to authorize their export to Israel due to worries about the effects on the crowded regions of the Gaza Strip.

The Biden administration delivered thousands of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel following the Oct. 7, 2023 assault by Palestinian Hamas fighters from Gaza, but subsequently delayed one of the deliveries. Trump lifted the hold last month.

“Defence Minister Israel Katz stated late Saturday that the munitions shipment, which arrived in Israel tonight and was released by the Trump Administration, signifies an important resource for the Air Force and the IDF, highlighting the robust alliance between Israel and the United States.”

The delivery came after days of anxiety regarding the stability of a delicate ceasefire in Gaza that was established last month, as both parties blamed one another for breaching the agreement meant to stop hostilities and facilitate the swap of hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israel. Since the war commenced, Washington has declared support for Israel totaling billions of dollars.