Trump Claims US Releasing 2,000-Pound Bombs to Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited the conversation around America’s military aid to Israel, claiming that a "lot of things" ordered and paid for by Israel are now being delivered under his influence. This statement came through a post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he implied that certain military supplies previously withheld by President Joe Biden’s administration, including 2,000-pound bombs, are now en route to Israel.

The background to this claim traces back to 2023, when President Biden’s administration halted shipments of such powerful munitions to Israel amid escalating tensions in Gaza. The decision was driven by concerns that Israel's potential large-scale ground operations in densely populated areas could lead to catastrophic human casualties and widespread devastation. At the time, Biden openly warned against actions that could result in what he described as "great human tragedy."

Despite these concerns, the dynamics have shifted in recent months. As of late 2024, Israel and Hamas have been observing a fragile truce following the devastating war that erupted in October 2023. The ceasefire led to several exchanges of hostages and prisoners between the two sides, offering a glimmer of hope for stability in the region. However, the mention of new arms deliveries could further strain this delicate balance.

Prominent Israeli journalist Barak Ravid reported that Trump had intervened to lift Biden’s hold on the 2,000-pound bombs, directing the U.S. Department of Defense to release them. Although Trump did not specify the type of weapons in his post, his close ties to Israel during his presidency lend weight to the claim. Trump often touted himself as Israel's strongest ally, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly echoing this sentiment.

The Trump-Netanyahu relationship, however, has experienced its ups and downs. After congratulating Biden on his 2020 election victory—a move Trump interpreted as a betrayal—Netanyahu briefly fell out of favor with the former president. Still, the recent statements by Trump suggest an effort to reaffirm his staunch support for Israel, especially as he eyes a potential return to the White House in the 2024 elections.

The release of these bombs comes at a time when U.S. military assistance to Israel is under increased scrutiny, particularly as the international community keeps a close watch on the humanitarian toll of conflicts in the Middle East. Whether the resumption of these shipments will heighten tensions or strengthen Israel's defensive posture remains to be seen.

This development adds a new layer of complexity to the U.S.-Israel relationship and underscores the ever-evolving interplay between geopolitics, military strategy, and humanitarian concerns.