Washington, February 16, 2025: The United States has delivered a shipment of heavy MK-84 bombs to Israel after President Donald Trump lifted an export block imposed by his predecessor, Joe Biden, Israel’s defense ministry confirmed on Sunday.
“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,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated.
The MK-84 is a 2,000-pound unguided bomb capable of penetrating reinforced structures and causing extensive destruction. The Biden administration had previously halted its export due to concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza, but Trump reversed the decision last month as part of his administration’s renewed military support for Israel.
The shipment arrives as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins his first official visit to Israel. Landing in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, Rubio is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. His discussions are expected to focus on ceasefire negotiations and the future governance of Gaza, which has endured 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas.
The prolonged conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread devastation, with Washington facing growing international criticism over its continued military aid to Israel. The US has already provided billions in assistance since the war began, and this latest shipment signals ongoing support despite opposition from some global leaders.
Although a ceasefire was brokered last month, tensions remain high, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violations. On Saturday, Hamas released three Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners following mediation efforts.
Rubio is also expected to discuss Trump’s controversial proposal for Gaza’s post-war administration, a plan widely rejected by Arab governments. While Washington claims it is open to alternative solutions, officials maintain that “the only plan right now is Trump’s.”
As ceasefire negotiations remain uncertain, the arrival of heavy weaponry underscores the possibility of further escalations in the region, with Netanyahu emphasizing that Israel’s next steps will have Washington’s backing.
