Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recently expressed gratitude toward former U.S. President Donald Trump for facilitating the release of a critical defense shipment to Israel. This move followed reports that Trump authorized the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs, which had been previously held back by the Biden administration.
On social media platform X, Saar thanked Trump for his leadership in ensuring the delivery of essential defense supplies, emphasizing that Israel’s security is strengthened when the nation has access to the resources it needs to defend itself. He also highlighted that the region is safer with these essential supplies in place.
Trump’s announcement came after reports surfaced indicating that the defense shipment, which had been ordered and paid for by Israel, was now on its way. He confirmed that a number of supplies previously delayed under the Biden administration were now being delivered.
In contrast, the Biden administration had halted the shipment of the 2,000-pound bombs last year, citing concerns over their potential use in densely populated Gaza areas. The U.S. had warned that deploying these munitions could lead to significant civilian casualties.
The delay in these shipments comes amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, which escalated after the Palestinian militant group’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Despite the ongoing conflict, a tentative truce has been established, with Israel and Hamas engaging in exchanges of hostages and prisoners over the weekend.
Though Trump did not specify which particular weapons had been sent, Israeli national security journalist Barak Ravid confirmed that Trump had instructed the Department of Defense to release the hold on the 2,000-pound bombs.
Trump has consistently expressed his strong support for Israel, often stating that the country had never had a better ally in the White House. This sentiment was echoed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although their relationship experienced some strain following Netanyahu’s congratulations to President Joe Biden after the 2020 election. Trump, who contested the results of the 2020 election, publicly criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of disloyalty.
