US sends Israel 2,000-pound bombs that can 'pancake' buildings

The American-made MK-84 bomb possesses immense penetrating power, capable of destroying thick concrete and metal structures, and instantly claiming lives within its vast blast radius. This type of bomb is extremely powerful, posing a severe threat to both personnel and buildings.

The Biden administration had previously suspended the delivery of these 2,000-pound (907 kg) bombs to Israel due to concerns about the potential for mass civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. This action reflected the U.S. government's emphasis on the protection of civilians.

However, shortly after Donald Trump assumed the U.S. presidency, he lifted the export ban, resuming the supply of weapons. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant welcomed the delivery of these weapons over the weekend, calling them an "important asset for the Air Force and the IDF," and thanking the U.S. for its "unwavering support." The resumption of weapon supplies has sparked widespread international concern.

The arrival of these bombs in Israel coincides with the imminent start of the second phase of negotiations for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Experts believe this move is intended to send a clear message to the entire region. The United States has been providing Israel with these bombs, commonly known as "bunker busters," since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. But last May, when Israel planned to invade Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, President Biden drew a line, halting the shipment of approximately 1,800 MK-84 bombs due to the presence of over a million Palestinian civilians sheltering in the area.

President Biden stated, "Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs and other ways they attack population centers." He made it clear: "If they go into Rafah... I’m not supplying the weapons." Trump, on the other hand, indicated that despite the ceasefire agreement already in effect, he was lifting the export ban on these weapons because he believes in "peace through strength." Trump told reporters, "Biden won’t deliver the weapons. But I have a different view. I said, ‘Peace through strength.’"

Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst in defense capabilities at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), stated that the timing of this weapon delivery is strategically significant. He told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, "It sends a message to Hamas and Iran that if Hamas doesn't continue to abide by the ceasefire agreement, Israel will return to war, and they will have even more destructive weapons." He added that Israel is also preparing to strike Iran's underground nuclear facilities. "There's growing concern that Iran might decide in the next few weeks or months to try and acquire nuclear weapons," he said. "By providing these heavy bombs to Israel, Israel is better able to strike Iranian nuclear facilities and destroy them before that threat becomes a reality."

Sasha Dov Bachmann, a professor of law and security at the University of Canberra, stated that the delivery of heavy bombs once again demonstrates Trump's "unfettered and complete support" for Israel. He said, "He's signaling to Netanyahu and his supporters, the U.S. supports you, you can do what you want." Professor Bachmann also pointed out that the Biden administration has also shown "unwavering" support for Israel, including participating in the defense against two Israeli missile attacks in Iran. But he also stated that Biden's policies are still frequently driven and influenced by international and domestic legal considerations.

There has been intense debate regarding the risks of using heavy weapons like the MK-84 in Gaza, and the potential for causing mass civilian deaths. These bombs are not prohibited in themselves, but their legality depends on how they are used. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court lists intentionally launching an attack in the knowledge that it will cause civilian casualties or damage that is "clearly excessive" in relation to any direct military advantage as a war crime. Professor Bachmann stated that the MK-84 can be fitted with guidance systems, but most are still unguided. "From an international humanitarian law perspective, operating in an urban environment becomes a bit complicated," Professor Bachmann said. "The problem with Gaza is the entire battlefield is a civilian urban area."

The Arms Trade Treaty also prohibits the transfer of weapons where there is a "clear risk that they will be used to commit war crimes or serious violations of international human rights law." The United Nations and human rights organizations, including Action on Armed Violence (AOAV), have warned against the use of these weapons in Gaza. Iain Overton, executive director of Action on Armed Violence, stated, "The history of air-dropped bombs such as the MK-84 tells us that their use in densely populated areas almost certainly leads to indiscriminate civilian harm." He said, "More attention needs to be paid to minimizing the humanitarian cost of these weapons." Professor Bachmann stated that Biden reviewed whether Israel's use of the bombs might violate humanitarian law and decided to halt the transfer. "Trump is basically saying that doesn't matter, which is dangerous," he said.