President Donald Trump has reversed a restriction put in place by the Biden administration by allowing the U.S. military to provide Israel with thousands of 2,000-pound bombs, marking a dramatic change in policy. Up to 1,800 MK-84 bombs, which had been kept in storage since May because of worries about possible civilian casualties in Gaza’s densely populated regions, might now be shipped thanks to this decision.
The Biden administration had previously suspended the delivery of these munitions, citing humanitarian concerns over their use in Gaza’s densely populated regions. This suspension had caused tension between the U.S. and Israel, with Israeli officials expressing frustration over the delay.
Israeli officials were notified by the Pentagon of the release shortly before Hamas agreed to a cease-fire and released four hostages. The outgoing Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Mike Herzog, had anticipated Trump’s decision to lift the ban early in his term.
The MK-84 bombs, known as “bunker busters,” are capable of penetrating deep underground before detonating, making them effective against fortified targets. The initial hold on their delivery was due to concerns about potential mass civilian casualties in Gaza.
The White House has not yet provided an official comment on this development. This move is part of a broader agenda by President Trump to fulfill his campaign promises and reshape U.S. foreign policy in favor of Israel. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial to monitor the implications of this decision on the dynamics of the Middle East conflict and U.S.-Israel relations.
For more detailed coverage, you can refer to the Reuters article on this topic.
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