Trump-approved MK-84 heavy bombs arrive in 'Israel'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 Feb 2025 13:43

The Biden administration had previously withheld approval for the shipment, citing concerns over its potential impact on densely populated areas of Gaza.

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Smoke and explosion following Israeli bombardment inside the Gaza Strip, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024 (AP)

"Israel" has received a shipment of heavy MK-84 bombs from the United States, following the lifting of an export block by US President Donald Trump, according to the Israeli Security Ministry. The MK-84 is a 2,000-pound unguided bomb designed to penetrate concrete and metal, creating a large blast radius.

The Biden administration had previously withheld approval for the shipment, citing concerns over its potential impact on densely populated areas of Gaza. Although the US sent thousands of similar bombs to "Israel" after October 7, 2023, one shipment was delayed—until Trump cleared it for export last month.

Security Minister Israel Katz welcomed the delivery, stating, “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.”

The arrival of the shipment comes amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, agreed upon last month, which has been under threat as "Israel" continues to violate the truce aimed at facilitating the exchange of Israeli captives and Palestinian detainees. Since the war began, Washington has provided billions of dollars in assistance to "Israel".

Over 20,000 US bombs, missiles sent to 'Israel' since October: NYT

The US has sent "Israel" a substantial quantity of weaponry since October 7, as reported by The New York Times last year, citing data from an analysis published by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America.

The shipments included over 20,000 unguided bombs, approximately 2,600 guided bombs, and 3,000 precision missiles. The US has also provided aircraft, ammunition, and air defense systems.

Many of these transfers were kept secret or remained partially confidential, the report noted.

An analysis by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies found that the arms supplied up to March of last year constituted "an enormous number and variety of weapons," which have been vital in supporting "Israel's" security apparatus.

The analysis also suggested that "it seems unlikely that Israel could attain across-the-board weapons and munitions self-sufficiency anytime soon."