Israel has received a delivery of heavy MK-84 bombs from the United States following the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to lift an export ban that had been imposed by the previous administration under Joe Biden, as reported by the defense ministry on Sunday.
The MK-84 is a 2,000-pound unguided bomb capable of penetrating thick concrete and metal, resulting in a substantial blast radius. The Biden administration had previously withheld approval for their export to Israel due to concerns regarding potential impacts on densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip.
After the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants from Gaza, the Biden administration had sent thousands of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel but subsequently paused one of the shipments. This hold was lifted by Trump last month.
“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,” stated Defense Minister Israel Katz late Saturday.
The shipment comes amid ongoing concerns about the stability of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which was agreed upon last month, as both parties have accused each other of breaching the terms intended to halt hostilities and facilitate the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. Since the onset of the conflict, Washington has announced billions of dollars in assistance for Israel.
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