Trump Unfreezes Bomb Supply to Israel Held by Biden

United States President Donald Trump on Saturday ordered the release of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, reversing a hold imposed by former President Joe Biden.

“We released them today. They’ve been paid for and have been waiting for a long time. They’ve been in storage,” Trump said aboard Air Force One.

The delay in delivering the bombs, initially authorized under Biden in 2024 following Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, was attributed to concerns over civilian casualties, particularly in Gaza’s Rafah area, where the conflict has caused widespread destruction.

One such bomb can penetrate thick concrete and metal, creating a significant blast radius.

On the Truth Social platform earlier Saturday, Trump criticized Biden’s delay, asserting that numerous items purchased by Israel were now being dispatched.

Both Trump and Biden have been vocal in their support for U.S. ally Israel, which has faced backlash from human rights groups over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 47,000 lives in Gaza, displaced nearly the entire population, and triggered accusations of genocide and war crimes, all of which Israel has denied.

Washington has pledged billions of dollars in assistance to Israel, citing its need to defend against Iran-backed groups like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.

The bloodshed began after Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on Israel in October 2023, taking 250 hostages and killing around 1,200 people. In retaliation, Israel’s military unleashed a fierce offensive. A recent ceasefire has led to the exchange of hostages and prisoners, but tensions remain high.

Despite Trump’s decision, human rights advocates continue to call for restraint, highlighting the devastating toll on Gaza’s civilian population.