Trump greenlights 2,000-pound bomb shipment to Israel, reversing Biden’s hold
The Trump administration has directed the Pentagon to release a shipment of 1,800 MK-84 bombs to Israel, overturning a hold imposed during President Biden’s tenure, three Israeli officials told Axios.
The 2,000-pound bombs, held in U.S. storage, are set to be shipped to Israel in the coming days, Caliber.Az reports.
The hold, implemented last May, marked a critical point in U.S.-Israel relations during the 15-month Gaza conflict. Biden’s decision to halt the delivery was tied to concerns over civilian casualties from Israel’s use of the bombs in densely populated Gaza areas. The move sparked significant backlash from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who used it to rally Republican opposition and accuse Biden of imposing an arms embargo on Israel—a claim deemed misleading.
Former President Trump confirmed the decision on Truth Social, writing, "A lot of things that were ordered and paid for by Israel, but have not been sent by Biden, are now on their way!"
The suspension of the munitions delivery had drawn mixed reactions within the U.S., with progressive critics continuing to challenge Biden’s support for Israel, while segments of the Jewish community expressed dissatisfaction with the hold.
Outgoing Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Mike Herzog, had previously anticipated the release of the bombs under Trump’s administration, signaling a shift in policy with the change in leadership.
By Khagan Isayev