Israel has received a shipment of heavy MK-84 bombs from the United States after President Donald Trump lifted an export block imposed by his predecessor, Joe Biden. The Israeli Defence Ministry confirmed the arrival of the munitions on Sunday, describing it as a significant asset for the country's military capabilities.
Speaking to reporters, Trump defended his decision, stating that the weapons had been contracted under the Biden administration but were withheld. "They were sitting there. Nobody knew what to do with them. They bought them," Trump said, emphasizing his belief in "peace through strength."
The MK-84 is a 2,000-pound (907-kg) unguided bomb capable of penetrating thick concrete and metal, with a wide blast radius. The Biden administration had previously withheld the shipment due to concerns about civilian casualties in densely populated areas of Gaza. However, following the escalation of conflict after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, Washington had approved significant military aid to Israel, though some deliveries were later paused.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz hailed the shipment as a testament to the strong alliance between Israel and the U.S. The delivery comes amid ongoing uncertainty over a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, with both sides accusing each other of violations. The ceasefire was established to facilitate the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his support for a plan to allow Palestinians in Gaza to emigrate, framing it as a matter of choice rather than forced displacement. Addressing Jewish American organizations in Jerusalem, Netanyahu backed Trump's proposal to resettle Palestinians, a plan that has drawn international criticism, with some labeling it as "ethnic cleansing."
Trump has also proposed U.S. involvement in Gaza’s reconstruction, envisioning it as the "Riviera of the Middle East." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met with Netanyahu in Israel to discuss the ongoing situation.