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American bombs reached Israel : A large shipment of MK-84 2,000-pound bombs has arrived in Israel’s Ashdod port, according to Israeli media reports. The consignment, sent by the Trump administration, was swiftly transported to an Israeli airbase after its arrival on Saturday night.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz hailed the shipment, calling it a "critical asset for the Israeli Air Force and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)." He further emphasized that this delivery highlights the strong alliance between Israel and the United States.
Massive US Military Support for Israel Since October 2023
Since the beginning of Israel's war in October 2023, the country has received an unprecedented amount of military aid, mostly from the United States. According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the support includes:
- 76,000+ tons of military equipment
- 678 transport aircraft deliveries
- 129 naval shipments
The newly delivered MK-84 bomb, also known as the BLU-117, is one of the most powerful bombs in the Mark 80 series. This 900 kg (2,000-pound) bomb has been a key component of US military operations since the Vietnam War and is currently ranked as the sixth heaviest bomb in the American arsenal.
Trump Administration Lifts Biden-Era Ban on Bomb Shipments
Former US President Donald Trump announced on January 25 that he had instructed the US military to remove restrictions on the supply of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel.
Trump stated:
"We released them today. And they will keep them. They paid for them and they have been waiting for them for a long time."
This move overturned a previous decision made by former President Joe Biden, who had blocked the delivery of these bombs over concerns that they could be used against civilian populations, particularly in Rafah, Gaza.
While the Biden administration had initially sent thousands of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel following the October 7 Hamas attack, one specific shipment was held back due to humanitarian concerns.
Geopolitical and Humanitarian Implications
The unblocking of military shipments underscores the shifting US-Israel dynamics and has drawn both support and criticism. As the conflict continues, the use of such powerful bombs in densely populated areas remains a major concern for humanitarian groups and international organizations.
With tensions escalating, this latest development further cements Washington's unwavering military support for Israel, setting the stage for continued geopolitical debates over the conflict’s humanitarian impact.
