Israel has received a shipment of U.S.-made heavy MK-84 bombs following the recent lifting of a temporary delivery ban by the United States, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Sunday.
The MK-84 is a 2,000-pound (907-kilogram) unguided bomb known for its ability to penetrate reinforced targets and cause extensive damage due to its powerful blast radius.
The shipment arrived at the Israeli port of Ashdod late Saturday and was “received and unloaded overnight,” according to a statement from the ministry. Video footage released showed containers being loaded onto trucks destined for Israeli Air Force bases.
The U.S. had previously suspended the delivery of MK-84 bombs over concerns about their potential use in densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip, where ongoing conflicts have resulted in significant civilian casualties since October 2023.
In the statement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed gratitude for the resumption of deliveries. “This shipment represents a significant asset for the Air Force and the IDF (Israel Defense Forces),” he said. Katz thanked U.S. President Joe Biden and his administration for lifting the ban and for their “unwavering support” for Israel.
Since the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023, more than 76,000 tons of military equipment have arrived in Israel via 678 airlifts and 129 sea shipments, according to statistics from Israel’s Defense Ministry.
The renewed deliveries underscore the close military ties between the United States and Israel amid heightened tensions in the region.
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Israel receives shipment of U.S. heavy bombs after delivery ban lifted
cgtn.com