In a significant development, Israel has received a shipment of heavy MK-84 bombs from the United States after a temporary delivery ban was lifted this weekend, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry.
The MK-84 is a massive 907-kilogram unguided bomb known for its ability to penetrate fortified targets and deliver devastating blasts, making it a game-changer for the Israeli Air Force.
The shipment arrived at the port of Ashdod late on Saturday and was swiftly received and unloaded overnight. Defense Ministry spokesperson shared video footage showing the intense movement of shipping containers being loaded onto trucks destined for Israel's Air Force bases.
Previously, the Biden administration had paused the delivery of MK-84 bombs due to concerns about their use in densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip, where ongoing conflicts have already resulted in significant casualties since October 2023.
In a statement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the decision to lift the ban, hailing it as a \"significant asset for the Air Force and the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).\" He extended gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration for their \"unwavering support\" for Israel.
Since the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023, over 76,000 tonnes of military equipment have been delivered to Israel through 678 airlifts and 129 sea shipments, according to the Defense Ministry's statistics.
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Israel receives shipment of U.S. heavy bombs after delivery ban lifted
cgtn.com
