The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Sunday that the first shipment of US-made “heavy” bombs had arrived in Israel. The ‘heavy’ explosives arrived in Israel as Marco Rubio began his first visit to Israel as Washington’s top diplomat.
Citing the MK-84 munitions recently authorized by the administration of US President Donald Trump, the ministry said in a statement: “A shipment of heavy aerial bombs recently issued by the US government was received in Israel and unloaded early Sunday.”
“The weapons arriving in Israel, as unveiled by the Trump administration, represent a significant boost for the Air Force and the IDF (Army) and serve as further evidence of the strong alliance between Israel and the United States,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement. The Trump administration approved the sale of more than $7.4 billion worth of bombs, missiles, and related equipment to Israel last February.
The US Defense Assistance Agency said, “This sale improves Israel’s ability to meet current and future threats, strengthens its homeland defense, and serves as a deterrent to regional threats.” Israel launched a massive, devastating attack against Hamas in Gaza in October 2023.
The war has devastated much of Gaza, resulting in the displacement of most of its 2.4 million population. A ceasefire has been in effect since January 19, with provisions for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Former US President Joe Biden’s administration had blocked the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, citing concerns that the explosives could be misused, but Trump approved their shipment after taking office.
Meanwhile, Rubio began an official visit to Israel on Sunday. He is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top Israeli officials. He is expected to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and Trump’s plan to displace Palestinians from the region and relocate them to Egypt and Jordan.
