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The precision-guided bombs previously held back by former President Joe Biden in 2023 have now reached Israeli shores, following their release by President Donald Trump. The delivery took place Saturday night.
Biden’s decision to withhold the bombs came as a response to Israel’s military operations against Hamas in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza bordering Egypt. During this operation, Israeli forces successfully eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, with minimal civilian casualties, contrary to the Biden administration’s expressed concerns.
These powerful munitions serve a crucial purpose in targeting buildings harboring terrorists, offering an alternative to ground operations that put Israeli soldiers at risk. The dangers of building-based combat were evident throughout the conflict, with dozens of Israeli troops losing their lives in structural collapses.
Trump Govt delivers 1,800 heavy bombs to Israel that had been held up by the previous Biden administration .#Israel #Trump #Hamas pic.twitter.com/4EDW7Agei4
— Manish Shukla (@manishmedia) February 16, 2025
> In a joint operation led by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Mission to the United States and the International Transportation Authority Unit of the Ministry’s Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD), a shipment of heavy aerial bombs recently released by the U.S. government was received and unloaded overnight (Saturday) in Israel.
The shipment, consisting of heavy MK-84 bombs, arrived at Ashdod Port. Following the delivery, a coordinated effort between the Transportation Unit of the Ministry’s Logistics and Assets Department and the IDF’s Technological and Logistics Directorate facilitated the transfer of the munitions to various Israeli Air Force installations via dozens of trucks.
The scale of military support has reached unprecedented levels, with the IMOD continuing to acquire and transport equipment for the IDF. Current figures show more than 76,000 tons of military supplies delivered through 678 aerial deliveries and 129 maritime shipments, marking the largest such operation in Israel’s history.
Trump approved a shipment of 1,800 bombs to Israel, previously delayed under Biden due to Gaza concerns. pic.twitter.com/JpXjybaxsz
— IredcapI (@IredcapI) February 16, 2025
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: “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.
In our recent conversation, Secretary of Defense, HON Pete Hegseth reaffirmed America’s commitment to continue providing Israel with all necessary tools to ensure its security.
I thank President Donald Trump and the U.S. Administration for their unwavering support of the State of Israel. We will continue working together to strengthen our security.”
The delivery follows the recent shipment of previously withheld D-9 bulldozers, which are now in Israeli military possession.
