The US sends heavy bombs to Israel after Trump lifts Biden’s freeze, as Gaza tensions escalate.
A massive shipment of 2,000-pound MK-84 bombs arrived in Israel on February 15, 2025, ending a nine-month arms freeze imposed by the Biden administration. This move, which comes just days after former President Donald Trump lifted the freeze upon his return to office, signals a dramatic shift in US-Israel relations amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The heavy munitions, now unloaded at Ashdod Port, are expected to bolster the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) amid growing concerns over Hamas’ actions. The IDF is reportedly considering a resumption of hostilities in Gaza within the next two weeks if Hamas fails to continue releasing hostages according to the agreed-upon phase one of the deal.
This dramatic arms shipment follows a year of tense negotiations and a critical standoff between Israel and the Biden administration over military strategy. The freeze on the MK-84 bombs began after the IDF’s controversial invasion of Rafah in May 2024. US officials, including President Biden, had warned of a full arms freeze if Palestinian civilian casualties escalated. However, despite these warnings, the Biden administration only imposed a partial freeze on certain military supplies, including the MK-84 bombs.
The freeze was first instituted amid concerns about Israel’s tactics during the Rafah invasion, with Biden advocating for a more measured approach to the military operation in order to allow civilians to evacuate. Israel, however, pushed back, with then-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant managing to reverse part of the freeze during a visit to Washington in June 2024. Tensions escalated further when Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly criticised Biden, particularly regarding his stance on the Gaza ceasefire and the Palestinian Authority’s role in governing the region.
As the crisis deepened, the situation reached a turning point after Trump assumed office in January 2025. His administration swiftly reversed the freeze, resulting in the arrival of the MK-84 bombs earlier this week. Despite this, sources suggest that the shipment’s impact is still unclear, as the IDF remains unsure whether it will proceed with military action in Gaza depending on Hamas’ future moves regarding hostages.
The operation to unload and transport the bombs was a joint effort between the US government, Israel’s Ministry of Defence, and the IDF’s logistics team. The massive shipment, part of a broader strategy of continued military support from the US, included more than 76,000 tons of military equipment that have arrived in Israel through 678 airlifts and 129 sea shipments to date. This represents the largest military air and sea bridge in Israel’s history.
In response to the delivery, Defence Minister Israel Katz praised the shipment, calling it a “significant asset” for the IDF’s air force. Katz reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to working with the US to strengthen security, highlighting the enduring bond between the two nations. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth also pledged America’s continued support for Israel’s security, assuring Katz that the US would provide all necessary tools to defend the nation.
As tensions rise, the munitions shipment serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing volatility in Gaza. With both Israel and Hamas on the brink of further escalation, the world watches closely to see how these developments will unfold in the coming weeks.
