Trump Administration Reverses Biden-Era Ban, Resumes Supply of 2,000-Pound Bombs to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
On January 25, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting the Biden administration’s 2024 ban on supplying 2,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs to Israel. The decision came within days of Trump’s inauguration and was confirmed by Israeli officials and U.S. media reports.
– Immediate Action: Approximately 1,800 MK-84 class bombs, stored in U.S. warehouses, are slated for shipment to Israel “in the coming days.”
2. Biden’s Original Ban: Former President Joe Biden halted the delivery of these bombs in May 2024 amid Israel’s military operation in Rafah, a southern Gaza city designated as a “red line” by his administration. The pause aimed to pressure Israel to avoid civilian casualties, though the U.S. had already supplied over 14,000 such bombs earlier in the conflict.
3. Humanitarian Impact:
– A 2024 study found that Israeli forces dropped nearly 600 of these bombs near Gaza hospitals within the first six weeks of the conflict, risking mass civilian harm.
– The bombs, capable of penetrating underground bunkers, were used in attacks like the July 2024 strike on Al-Mawasi’s “humanitarian safe zone,” killing 90+ civilians.
—
Military Context
What’s Happening:
– The U.S. is resuming shipments of 2,000-pound bombs, critical for Israel’s campaign against Hamas but criticized for disproportionate civilian harm.
– Trump’s order also revoked Biden-era sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank and reinstated sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), which had issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders.
What Caused the Ban:
– Civilian Casualties: Biden’s halt followed documented use of U.S.-supplied bombs in densely populated areas, worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
– Diplomatic Strain: The pause strained U.S.-Israel relations, with Israeli officials calling it a “major crisis.”
What’s Next:
– Escalated Conflict: Analysts warn renewed bomb shipments could intensify Israel’s military operations in Gaza, particularly in urban areas.
– Broader Policy Shifts: Trump suspended all U.S. foreign aid programs for 90 days to review their alignment with “American values,” potentially cutting funding to Palestinian aid groups like UNRWA.
—
Political Reactions
– Israeli Officials: Outgoing Ambassador Mike Herzog praised Trump’s move, stating it “aligns with assurances made during Gaza ceasefire talks.”
– Palestinian Response: The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the decision, arguing it “encourages extremist settlers and prolongs occupation.”
– Domestic Criticism: U.S. advocacy groups and some lawmakers criticized the reversal, citing risks to Gaza’s civilians and international law.
—
Technical Specifications of the Bombs
– MK-84 “Bunker Buster”:
– Weight: 2,000 pounds (908 kg).
– Function: Designed to penetrate reinforced structures before detonation.
– Limitations: Experts note they are ineffective against Iran’s nuclear facilities but devastating in urban warfare.
—
Conclusion
The resumption of U.S. bomb shipments underscores Trump’s staunch pro-Israel stance, contrasting sharply with Biden’s conditional military support. While Israel hails the move as vital for national security, humanitarian organizations warn of catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s civilians. The decision also reflects broader shifts in U.S.
