Tensions in the Middle East often revolve around military support and weapons.
Recently, the United States made a significant decision to lift a ban on the export of MK-84 bombs to Israel.
This decision has sparked discussions, especially in light of the previous administration’s stance on the issue.
The MK-84 is a heavy, unguided bomb weighing over 900 kilograms. It is designed to penetrate thick concrete and metal, causing a wide-reaching blast, reports Hotnews.
These bombs are among the most powerful weapons in use by Western armies. However, the Biden administration had placed a hold on shipments of these bombs to Israel.
The concern was that using them in densely populated areas like Gaza could lead to extensive civilian casualties.
Last year, the Biden administration suspended a shipment of MK-84 bombs, fearing they would be used in Rafah, a city in Gaza.
The U.S. raised alarms about the potential harm to civilians there, especially without a proper plan for protection.
Despite these warnings, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressed ahead with plans for a ground attack in Rafah.
In response to the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants, the U.S. sent thousands of bombs to Israel, weighing more than 2,000 pounds.
However, these shipments were halted soon after. The decision to lift the ban on the MK-84 bombs came from President Donald Trump’s administration, which approved the delivery in late January.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, spoke positively about the shipment, calling it a significant advantage for Israel’s military forces.
He also pointed to it as a sign of the strong alliance between Israel and the U.S. The shipment arrives at a time of heightened tensions in Gaza, as both sides accuse each other of violating a fragile ceasefire agreement.
Since the beginning of the war, the U.S. has committed billions of dollars in aid to Israel.
The delivery of these bombs is part of a larger trend of military support during ongoing conflicts in the region.
