US Sends Heavy Bombs to Israel After Trump Overturns Biden Policy
Israel has received a shipment of heavy MK-84 2,000-pound bombs from the United States after President Donald Trump lifted restrictions imposed by the previous administration of Joe Biden. The shipment, confirmed by Israel’s Defense Ministry on Sunday, marks the official end of a freeze that began in 2024 due to US concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza.
The munitions, capable of penetrating concrete and metal with a large blast radius, arrived at the Port of Ashdod before being transferred to the Israeli Air Force. The delivery comes as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) consider renewing military operations in Gaza if Hamas does not continue releasing hostages under the terms of a negotiated deal.
“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,” said Defense Minister Israel Katz. “In our recent conversation, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed America’s commitment to continue providing Israel with all necessary tools to ensure its security.”
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The freeze on these munitions began in mid-2024 as the Biden administration sought to exert pressure on Israel after it invaded Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. The US had objected to the invasion over concerns for Palestinian civilians and had urged Israel to conduct a more gradual operation. While some restrictions were eased following diplomatic efforts by then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the full freeze remained in place after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized President Biden’s policies and refused to endorse a US-backed ceasefire proposal that would have placed Gaza under the control of the Palestinian Authority.
President Trump, who returned to office on January 20, immediately lifted the restriction, though it took time for the weapons to arrive. The move was part of broader US efforts to reaffirm its military backing for Israel following months of strained relations between Washington and Jerusalem under the previous administration.
The US has sent billions of dollars in military aid to Israel since the war with Hamas began following the October 7, 2023 attack. Over 76,000 tons of military supplies have been delivered to Israel through 678 airlifts and 129 sea shipments, making it the largest logistical support operation of its kind in Israel’s history.
Katz thanked the US president and defense secretary for their continued support, vowing to maintain close cooperation with Washington to ensure Israel’s security.
