IRIA News

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Israel received a shipment of MK-84 2,000-pound bombs from the United States following President Donald Trump’s decision to lift restrictions imposed by the previous administration under Joe Biden. The shipment of heavy bombs coincided with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s first official trip to the region.

The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed the arrival of munitions, marking the end of a freeze that began in mid-2024 due to U.S. concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza.

The MK-84 bombs, known for their capability to penetrate concrete and metal with a substantial blast radius, were unloaded at the Port of Ashdod on February 16, 2025, before being transferred to the Israeli Air Force. This move comes as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) contemplate resuming military operations in Gaza if Hamas does not continue releasing hostages as per a negotiated agreement.

Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed gratitude for the U.S. support, 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.” He also mentioned a recent conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who reaffirmed America’s commitment to providing Israel with the necessary tools to ensure its security.

Resumption of US military support

The Biden administration imposed a freeze on weapons transfer to Israel in mid-2024 to exert pressure on Israel following its invasion of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. The former U.S. administration had expressed concerns over the potential impact on Palestinian civilians and urged Israel to adopt a more measured approach.

While some restrictions were eased after diplomatic efforts by then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the restriction on heavy ammunition and bombs remained intact, especially after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized President Biden’s policies and declined to endorse a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal that aimed to place Gaza under Palestinian Authority control.

Upon returning to office on January 20, President Trump promptly lifted the restriction, though logistical considerations delayed the weapons’ arrival. This action is part of broader U.S. efforts to reaffirm its military backing for Israel after months of strained relations between Washington and Tel Aviv under the previous administration.

Since the war with Hamas began following the October 7, 2023 attack, the U.S. has sent billions of dollars in military aid to Israel. Over 76,000 tons of military supplies have been delivered through 678 airlifts and 129 sea shipments, marking it as the largest logistical support operation of its kind in Israel’s history.

Marco Rubio arrives in Israel on first visit

The weapons shipment to Israel coincided with the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is currently on his inaugural official trip to the Middle East since assuming his role. He started his visit from Israel, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The discussions centered on the ongoing situation in Gaza and the broader regional dynamics.

Netanyahu, standing alongside Rubio, said that “over the last 16 months, Israel has dealt a mighty blow to Iran’s terror axis. Under the strong leadership of President Trump, I do not doubt that we can and will finish the job.” This statement underscores Israel’s ambitions to counter Iranian influence in the region.

Rubio echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that there “could never be a nuclear Iran.” He added, “It’s important to constantly point out that whether we talk about Hamas or we talk about Hezbollah, we talk about violence in the West Bank, or we talk about destabilization in Syria, or we talk about any of these issues, the militias in Iraq, they all have behind them one common theme: Iran.”

Following his engagements in Israel, Rubio is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia. In Riyadh, he plans to meet with his Russian counterpart to discuss regional security concerns and potential collaborative efforts to stabilize the Middle East. This meeting signifies a strategic dialogue aimed at addressing the complex geopolitical challenges in the region.

Controversial proposals

During his visit to the Middle East, Rubio is expected to promote President Trump’s contentious plan to relocate over 2 million residents from Gaza, redeveloping the area into what has been termed the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Trump’s proposal has faced widespread condemnation and is viewed by many experts as a form of ethnic cleansing. The plan has sparked significant debate, with critics arguing that it disregards the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.

Impact of US bomb shipment on fragile ceasefire

The weapons shipment and controversial displacement plan comes amid the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has recently seen several prisoner exchanges. In the most recent exchange, Hamas released 3 Israeli hostages in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners. The U.S.’s resumption of providing heavy bombs and ammunition to Israeli forces is destined to disrupt the fragile ceasefire.

While Washington remains open to alternative proposals from Arab governments, it emphasizes Trump’s plan as the primary option. Rubio’s subsequent visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates aim to further discuss these issues and seek broader regional support.

The upcoming second phase of the ceasefire, intended to establish a more durable peace, would commence next week in Doha. The U.S. president has exerted pressure on Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians, with Egypt leading efforts to propose alternative solutions. These diplomatic endeavors reflect the intricate interplay of regional politics and the challenges inherent in achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict.