Breaking News: US Greenlights MK-84 Bombs for Israel Despite US President Donald Trump's Foreign Military Sales Pause.

On January 25, 2025, The New York Times reported that despite a temporary three-month halt on foreign military sales imposed by President Donald Trump, the U.S. government is preparing to proceed with a significant shipment of bombs to Israel. This shipment will include 1,800 MK-84 bombs, a variant of the general-purpose bomb that has been used extensively by the U.S. and allied forces for decades. According to an anonymous White House official, the 900 kg (2,000-pound) bombs are set to be delivered to Israel as part of continued U.S. military support following the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
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An Israeli F-35I fighter jet from the 5601 Testing Squadron, equipped with Mk-84 bombs fitted with GBU-31 JDAM kits, prior to a bomb release test. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

The MK-84 is an American-made high-explosive, general-purpose bomb with a weight of around 900 kg (2,000 pounds), making it one of the largest bombs in the U.S. arsenal. This bomb is designed to deliver a massive payload of explosives, capable of devastating both hardened and soft targets. The bomb is filled with a large charge of trinitrotoluene (TNT) or an explosive equivalent and is known for its extensive blast radius and ability to penetrate deep into structures before detonating. Due to its sheer destructive power, the MK-84 is often employed against large infrastructure targets such as military installations, enemy supply lines, and heavily fortified structures.

However, despite its combat effectiveness, the MK-84 is generally considered too lethal for urban combat, particularly in densely populated areas. Its blast radius and potential for collateral damage are significant concerns, especially when dealing with targets near civilian zones. U.S. military officers have expressed reservations about deploying such powerful ordnance in environments where minimizing civilian casualties is a priority. For this reason, its use in Gaza, where Hamas operates in urban settings, has sparked ongoing debates within defense circles about its appropriateness.

The U.S. decision to supply Israel with the MK-84 bombs is part of a broader military support strategy that has included various munitions throughout the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This support is crucial as Israel continues to confront a complex battlefield, where Hamas has built a vast network of tunnels and underground facilities in densely populated areas. While critics argue that the MK-84’s destructive power can lead to heavy civilian casualties, proponents stress its utility against Hamas’s fortified positions. The bombs’ ability to target hardened structures such as tunnels, weapon caches, and command centers provides the Israeli military with a critical advantage in neutralizing Hamas’s infrastructure.

The MK-84 bomb is a versatile weapon that can be deployed by several different aircraft platforms, making it an asset in joint operations across various theaters of war. It is typically dropped by aircraft equipped with specialized bomb racks, and it is compatible with a wide range of combat aircraft, including the U.S. and Israeli F-15 and F-16 fighters, which are key components of the Israeli Air Force’s tactical capabilities. These aircraft are capable of delivering a wide range of ordinance, including the MK-84, with precision targeting systems, ensuring that the bombs are released with maximum effectiveness.

Israel’s advanced F-35 stealth fighters are also capable of carrying and deploying the MK-84. With its advanced avionics and stealth capabilities, the F-35 can deliver this heavy ordinance with minimal risk of detection, making it particularly useful in high-stakes operations where stealth and surprise are paramount. Additionally, while the U.S. B-52 bomber, though not currently in active service with Israel, can also carry the MK-84, its use would likely be limited to larger, strategic bombing missions, as would be the case with the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers, which are also capable of deploying the MK-84.

The MK-84 bomb shipment comes at a critical time as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza. Following the U.S. government's pause on foreign military sales, the shipment of these bombs signals a return to normalcy in defense aid. Throughout the Biden administration's tenure, the U.S. has sent a variety of munitions to Israel, including precision-guided munitions, bombs, and ammunition, to help bolster its defense against Hamas and other militant groups operating in the region. Notably, the Biden administration has faced internal and external pressures regarding the continued supply of weapons to Israel, particularly due to concerns over civilian casualties. However, U.S. officials have justified their support by emphasizing the need to ensure Israel’s right to self-defense and its ability to combat threats posed by Hamas.

While the MK-84 bomb remains one of the most powerful and destructive bombs in the U.S. arsenal, its role in modern warfare is balanced by its potential for collateral damage. As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, the use of such heavy ordnance in urban environments will likely remain a contentious issue, but its effectiveness in striking heavily fortified targets in Gaza ensures its continued presence in Israel’s military inventory. With the resumption of bomb shipments, the U.S. is reinforcing its strategic partnership with Israel as both nations work to address the ongoing security threats in the Middle East.