Israel has received a shipment of heavy MK-84 bombs from the United States following the removal of an export block by US President Donald Trump. The block, initially imposed by the administration of his predecessor, Joe Biden, had prevented the delivery of the munitions, the Israeli Defence Ministry confirmed on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters, Trump defended his decision to lift the restrictions, even though a ceasefire agreement remains in place. He emphasised his belief in “peace through strength” as the rationale behind his move.
“They contracted for the weapons a long time ago with the Biden administration, and then Biden wouldn’t deliver the weapons. But I look at it differently. I say, ‘peace through strength,'” Trump stated after returning to West Palm Beach, Florida, from a short trip to Daytona Beach. “They were sitting there. Nobody knew what to do with them. They bought them.”
The MK-84 is an unguided 2,000-pound (907-kg) bomb, capable of penetrating thick concrete and metal structures while producing a wide blast radius. Concerns about its impact in densely populated areas, particularly in Gaza, led the Biden administration to halt its export.
After the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Biden administration had approved the transfer of thousands of similar 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. However, one shipment was later withheld, a decision reversed last month by Trump.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, welcomed the arrival of the munitions, calling it a “significant asset” for the Israeli Air Force and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
“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,” Katz stated late on Saturday.
The shipment comes at a critical time, as concerns grow over whether a fragile ceasefire in Gaza—agreed upon last month—will hold. Both sides have accused each other of violating the terms of the deal, which was designed to facilitate the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli custody.
Since the conflict began, Washington has pledged billions of dollars in assistance to Israel, reinforcing its longstanding strategic alliance with the country.
Melissa Enoch
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