מטוס קרב (דובר צהל)The Bombs Have Arrived – What’s Behind the U.S. Shipment?
Why are these bombs needed, how much do they cost, and could they be used for a strike on Iran? Defense Minister Israel Katz calls the shipment "a significant asset for the Air Force and the IDF" and thanks President Trump and the U.S. administration
for their unwavering support of Israel.
A shipment of heavy air bombs has arrived in Israel. The ship, loaded with MK-84 bombs, docked and was unloaded at the Port of Ashdod. The munitions were then transported on dozens of trucks from the IDF’s logistics and technology
units to Israeli Air Force bases.
So far, Israel has received over 76,000 tons of military equipment across 678 airlifts and 129 sea shipments, marking the largest military airlift and maritime operation in the country’s history. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the significance of this latest delivery, stating, “The supply of munitions that arrived overnight and was released by the Trump administration is a major asset for the Air Force and the IDF.
This shipment is further evidence of the strong bond between Israel and the U.S. In our last conversation, Secretary of Defense Gates reaffirmed America’s commitment
to providing Israel with all necessary tools for its security. I thank President Donald Trump and the U.S. administration for their steadfast support of Israel—we will continue working together to strengthen our security.”
What’s Behind the U.S. Bomb Shipment?
This shipment follows Trump’s recent approval of 1,800 MK-84 bombs for Israel, reversing a decision by the previous administration under
Joe Biden, which had halted the supply. Each bomb weighs approximately 900 kg and is considered a critical weapon due to its high penetration capabilities. The decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy on arming Israel and raises questions about the
intended use of these bombs. Is Israel preparing for a potential strike on Iran?
What’s the Operational Advantage of the MK-84?
The heavy weight
of the MK-84 allows for deeper penetration compared to lighter bombs such as the MK-82 or MK-83. It can break through fortified structures and strike targets buried deep underground, making it one of the most powerful conventional bombs in Israel’s arsenal.
Are These Precision-Guided Bombs?
The standard version of the MK-84 lacks guidance systems, but it can be fitted with GPS or laser guidance
kits, making it one of the most precise strike systems used by the Israeli Air Force. GPS guidance allows for accurate targeting in all weather conditions, while laser guidance provides pinpoint accuracy when the target is designated from the ground. The advanced
fighter jets of the Israeli Air Force, including the F-15 and F-35, are designed to carry multiple MK-84 bombs simultaneously while maintaining aerodynamic stability.
Strategic Implications
The timing and scale of this shipment suggest it could play a role in regional military planning. With growing tensions involving Iran and its proxies, Israel may be stockpiling advanced munitions to reinforce
its deterrence strategy. While there is no official confirmation that these bombs are intended for use in a potential strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, their delivery underscores Israel’s ongoing military preparations amid an increasingly volatile Middle
East.
One of the biggest Nike franchisees is Israeli, here's how the relationship works
Retailors jumped following Nike’s surge on Wall Street; as a key Nike franchisee, Retailors benefits from Nike’s success but also feels the impact of its weaknesses. After a tough year, Nike is under new leadership aiming to get the company back on
track. Meanwhile, Retailors continues to strengthen its partnership with Nike, including an expansion into France
Nike’s stock surged on Wall Street, and in Tel Aviv—Retailors was rising. The connection between the two isn’t new, and it’s expected to continue shaping Retailors’ trajectory. Nike accounted for 68% of Retailors’ revenue in
the first nine months of 2024, and Retailors is one of Nike’s largest franchisees worldwide. Beyond its stores in Israel, the company operates Nike stores in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various European countries—and has recently expanded into France.
In many ways, Retailors is Nike. While the company holds franchise rights for additional brands like Foot Locker, Champion, and Converse, Nike is its dominant business—both financially
and in terms of brand perception. That means when Nike soars, Retailors benefits, and when Nike stumbles, Retailors takes a hit.
Nike’s Decline and Recovery
Nike’s stock had a rough year. Under its former CEO, John Donahoe, the company prioritized online sales at the expense of physical retail. The strategy worked well during COVID, but as consumers returned to malls, Nike lost shelf space to emerging brands
like On and Hoka.
The major downturn came in June, when Nike issued a weak revenue forecast for the upcoming year. The stock plunged 20% in a single day, dragging Retailors down
with it, causing a 10% drop on the Tel Aviv exchange.
Now, Nike is under new-old leadership. Elliott Hill, who spent 32 years at the company before retiring in 2020, has been called
back as CEO. The expectation is that Hill will refocus on physical retail, a strategy that could restore investor confidence and lift Nike’s stock, which is currently trading at its pandemic-era price levels.
