Heavy US bombs shipment arrives in Israel
The shipment of heavy bombs released by the US administration has arrived in Israel. (Israeli MoD Photo)
A shipment of heavy bombs from the United States, previously delayed by the former Biden administration, has arrived in Israel, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry statement.
MK-84 bombs delivered to Israeli airbases
Overnight, a ship carrying MK-84 2,000-pound munitions docked at Ashdod Port, where the cargo was unloaded and transported to Israeli airbases.
The Defense Ministry confirmed that the shipment was facilitated through a joint operation led by Israel’s defense procurement delegation in the U.S., the Israeli Army Planning Directorate, and the International Transportation Unit.
‘Largest military air and sea lift in Israel’s history’
The Israeli Defense Ministry and the Israeli army continue efforts to procure and transport military supplies according to the statement by the Israeli Defense Ministry.
To this date, more than 76,000 tons of military equipment have been delivered by the US to Israel through 678 flights and 129 sea shipments, making this the largest air and sealift operation in Tel-Aviv’s history.
Israeli Defense Minister acknowledges US support
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the delivery as a “significant asset for the Air Force and the Israeli army,” adding that it reflects the strong relationship between Israel and the United States.
Katz expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. administration for their steadfast support. “In our latest conversation, the Secretary of Defense reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to providing Israel with all necessary tools to ensure its security,” he stated.
Trump lifts Biden’s hold on 2000-pound bombs for Israel
U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced he had directed the Pentagon to release a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, overturning a hold placed by his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden.
“We released them. We released them today. And they’ll have them. They paid for them and have been waiting for them for a long time,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
When asked why he authorized the release of the bombs, Trump stated, “Because they bought them.” Earlier, he posted on Truth Social, “A lot of things that were ordered and paid for by Israel but have not been sent by Biden are now on their way!”
Trump’s move aligns with his broader pro-Israel stance, shared by Biden, despite criticism from human rights advocates over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Biden’s concerns over civilian impact
The former Biden administration initially imposed a hold on the delivery of these powerful munitions, citing concerns about their potential impact in densely populated areas of Gaza.
Each bomb, capable of penetrating thick concrete and causing significant destruction, raised alarms over the humanitarian consequences.
In 2023, it was reported that Biden had sent thousands of such bombs to Israel following Oct. 7 but withheld one shipment because of these concerns.
