US Bomb Shipment Arrives in Israel Amid Ongoing Gaza Tensions

TEL AVIV, Israel — A shipment of heavy munitions from the United States has landed in Israel as Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks on his first official visit to the region. The Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed the arrival of MK-84 bombs on February 16, 2025, following the lifting of a hold on deliveries imposed by the previous Biden administration.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz declared the shipment a significant asset for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and emphasized the importance of the Israel-US alliance. “This represents further evidence of the strong alliance between Israel and the United States,” Katz stated. He expressed gratitude towards the US administration for its unwavering support.

This latest shipment signifies a rollback of Biden-era policies designed to exert more constraints on Israeli military actions in Gaza, where tensions persist following months of conflict. Former President Joe Biden had previously restricted the sale of MK-84 munitions, citing concerns over potential indiscriminate use in densely populated areas of Gaza.

Despite past tensions in the relationship between Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surrounding arms restrictions, it appears that policy changes have not significantly affected the ongoing conflict in the region. Criticism from various quarters, including calls for tighter restrictions on arms sales, still loom over Biden’s administration.

In a sharp response to the bomb shipment, Salama Maroof, head of Gaza’s Government Media Office, criticized the United States for its decision. “Instead of sending food, medicine, water, or shelter, the United States, which prides itself as a leader in human rights, is delivering 1,800 heavy MK bombs to support the occupation army,” Maroof stated.

Secretary Rubio arrived in Israel following his participation in a security conference in Munich. His visit comes amidst fragile ceasefire conditions in Gaza, with discussions likely focusing on Trump’s controversial plans regarding the Gaza Strip. During his discussions with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, the two are expected to address plans for the management of the territory.

The backdrop of Rubio’s visit includes the recent release of three Israeli hostages by Hamas as part of a US-mediated agreement, highlighting the continued volatility in the region. Before meeting the Prime Minister, Rubio attended mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, signaling the trip’s significance in terms of diplomatic relations and outreach.

Following Israel, Rubio plans to travel to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he continues his diplomatic mission in the region.

As the situation unfolds, the dynamics of the US-Israel relationship and the ongoing war in Gaza remain at the forefront of Washington’s foreign policy considerations.