Published 17/02/2025 08:46 | Edited 17/02/2025 13:25
Israel received at dawn on Sunday (16) a load of 1,800 heavy pumps from the United States, each weighing about 900 pounds, in a movement that reinforces the continuity of US military support to the country, despite the effectiveness of a cease Fire in the Gaza Strip.
The weaponry, which had been retained by Joe Biden’s previous administration, arrived at Ashdod port and was transported in Israeli air basis trucks a few weeks after Donald Trump authorized the release of shipping.
The shipment coincides with the official visit of the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was in Israel for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
During the meetings, Rubio reiterated the position of the Trump administration in relation to the Middle East, stating that Hamas “must be eradicated” and that the Palestinian group “cannot continue to exist as military or governmental force.” Netanyahu, in turn, stressed that Israel is determined to “end work” about Iran, whom he accuses of being the greatest sponsor of terrorism in the region.
“Israel and the United States are shoulder to combat Iran’s threat,” Netanyahu said. The prime minister also stated that Trump is “the best friend Israel ever had in the White House.”
The arrival of weaponry raises concerns about the continuity of ceasefire, mediated by the United States and Egypt, and which came into force in January. The truce allowed the exchange of Israeli prisoners for Palestinian prisoners, but the climbing of tensions in recent days indicates that the agreement may be by a wire.
On Sunday morning, an Israeli attack on drones hit gaza men in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of three Hamas police officers. Bombing was seen as a retaliation for Hamas’s threat not to make the prisoners on Saturday (15) after Israel failed to comply with parts of the agreement.
The Palestinian group denounced the offensive as a “serious violation” of ceasefire. “The treacherous bombardment made by a Zionist drone this morning (…) is a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement,” Hamas said in a statement.
Israel’s Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, celebrated the receipt of American bombs, noting that shipping represents “a significant asset for the Air Force and the Israel’s FDI (Defense Forces).” Katz also thanked Donald Trump for his “unshakable support” to the country.
The delivery of loading marks another step in strategic alignment between Israel and the US under the current administration. Since the beginning of the war, in October 2023, Washington sent more than 76,000 tons of military equipment to Israel, including ammunition, armored and advanced defense systems.
Although Biden restricted the export of MK-84 bombs last year, citing concerns about the impact on Gaza’s civilian population, Trump revoked the measure shortly after assuming the presidency, arguing that “peace reaches hard.” Arrival of these heavy bombs are deep.
Trump administration reaffirms its commitment to providing arms to Israel, even in the face of a fragile truce. Meanwhile, tensions continue high, with Netanyahu stating that “the gates of hell will be opened if all hostages are not released.”
In an already inflamed midfielder, the arrival of these ammunition may be the foreshadowing of a new chapter of military climbing in the region, now involving Iran and the United States.
Source: vermelho.org.br
