The Trump White House instructed the Pentagon to release the hold imposed by the Biden administration on the supply of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel

Trump Lifts Biden’s Hold on Bomb Shipments to Israel

President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. military to resume delivery of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, overturning a hold imposed by former President Joe Biden, a White House source told Reuters on Saturday.

Biden’s Hold on Bomb Shipments

The temporary hold, enforced by Biden, was due to concerns over the potential civilian impact, particularly in Rafah, during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Trump confirmed the decision on Truth Social, stating:

“A lot of things that were ordered and paid for by Israel, but have not been sent by Biden, are now on their way!”

He did not provide further specifics.

U.S. Support for Israel Amid Growing Controversy

Both Trump and Biden have been strong supporters of Israel, even as the United States has faced international criticism over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

• Human rights groups have condemned the U.S. supply of weapons to Israel, urging an arms embargo.
• Protesters have demanded Washington cut military aid, but policy remains unchanged.

Ceasefire & Hostage Releases

A ceasefire agreement has been in place for a week, leading to the exchange of hostages and prisoners:

• Hamas took around 250 hostages during its October 7, 2023 attack, in which about 1,200 Israelis were killed, according to Israeli sources.
• Israel responded with an intense military assault, resulting in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
• The war has displaced nearly Gaza’s entire population and triggered a hunger crisis.

Before his January 20 inauguration, Trump warned Hamas there would be "hell to pay" if hostages were not released.

U.S. Military Strategy in the Region

The Biden and Trump administrations have justified U.S. military assistance as a means of defending Israel from Iran-backed groups, including:

• Hamas in Gaza
• Hezbollah in Lebanon
• Houthi militants in Yemen

Despite accusations of genocide and war crimes leveled against Israel, which the country denies, the U.S. remains firm in its support while navigating a highly volatile geopolitical landscape.