The United States has resumed bomb shipments to Israel after President Donald Trump reinstated the deliveries earlier this month. The latest shipment, weighing over 2,000 pounds, arrived on Saturday night at Ashdod Port and was transferred to Israeli Air Force bases. Defense Minister Israel Katz hailed the delivery as a “significant asset” for the Air Force and IDF.
The move comes amid ongoing tensions in Gaza, where Hamas militants have been holding several Israeli hostages. The US and Israel are working together to secure their release, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio arriving in Tel Aviv on Saturday for his first visit to the Middle East.
Three of the hostages were released earlier this week, including Iair Horn, who was held captive for nearly 500 days. Former Shin Bet official Moshe Pozailov said the Trump administration’s return has given Israel more confidence in negotiating with Hamas.
Israel is also considering deploying caravans into Gaza as part of a potential hostage deal. The plan, which would involve trucks carrying caravans to families whose homes were destroyed during the conflict, has been discussed with US officials. In related news, a pub in Nir Oz has reopened after its former manager Iair Horn’s release, with hopes it will once again become a hub for social life and remembrance.
Israel has been engaged in ongoing military operations in Gaza since October 7, when Hamas launched a massive attack that resulted in over 1,200 deaths. The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire came into effect on November 27, but the situation remains volatile.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/2025-02-16/live-updates-842272