USA, Israel-Gaza War, Weapons

Good news: U.S. to resume weapons shipping to Israel

U.S. resumes shipment of half-ton MK-83 bombs to Israel, easing some weapons restrictions amid ongoing tensions. Heavier one-ton MK-84 bombs remain on hold, with potential for release if Israel agrees to deployment limitations in Gaza.

AUG 6, 2024 10:50

1 min read

Special forces team in uniform walking action through smoke background — Special forces team in uniform walking action through smoke (Photo: Shutterstock /MISTER DIN)

Special forces team in uniform walking action through smoke (Photo: Shutterstock /MISTER DIN)

The United States has restarted a previously delayed weapons shipment to Israel, according to a report by Israel Hayom. This latest development in U.S.-Israel military cooperation comes with both progress and continued limitations.

Key points of the report include:

The resumed shipment includes MK-83 bombs, each weighing half a ton.
The status of MK-84 bombs, weighing one ton each, remains uncertain. The U.S. had previously embargoed these weapons, which Israel had used extensively in the Middle East.
A second part of the shipment, consisting of 1,800 MK-84 bombs, is still being held by Washington.
Israeli officials are hopeful that restrictions on the heavier MK-84 bombs might be lifted if Israel agrees not to use them in certain areas of Gaza.
The U.S. has eased limitations on other munitions, including transferring weapons from its stockpiles in Israel and providing air-to-air missiles used by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) for intercepting UAVs
Plans are in place for the U.S. to replenish its munitions stockpiles in Israel, ensuring quick transfer of additional weapons if needed.

Officials from both countries have not provided additional comments on the report at this time.