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.
Israel Consumer Price Index (CPI) in January rose by 0.6%, hitting the upper end of economists' forecasts
With inflation still high, a budget that remains loose and far from approval, and rising inflation in the U.S. that could spill over into the local market, the chances of an early interest rate cut are fading. While most economists still anticipate
a rate cut in the second quarter, the immediate prospects for monetary easing are diminishing.
Housing prices continued to rise, with November-December data showing a 0.4% increase, reflecting an annual surge of nearly 8% in 2024. The Consumer Price Index for January was calculated using an updated methodology, incorporating
a new weighting system and a revised base period (2024 average = 100 points). Over the past twelve months (January 2025 vs. January 2024), the CPI increased by 3.8%.
Significant
price increases were recorded in fresh fruit (up 2.5%), miscellaneous expenses (up 3.3%), home maintenance (up 2.1%), food (up 1.0%), and rent (up 0.4%). Conversely, clothing and footwear saw a notable drop of 4.2%, fresh vegetables declined by 2.0%, and housing
services for owner-occupiers fell by 0.7%.
Rent prices showed a 2.6% increase for tenants renewing contracts, while new tenants (in units where there was a tenant turnover) saw
a 3.3% rise.
Construction Input Index Surges by 2.6% in One Month—A Statistical Distortion?
The Construction Input Price Index for residential
buildings rose by 2.6% in January 2025, reaching 137.1 points compared to 133.6 points the previous month. This sharp increase includes both price changes occurring in January and an adjustment for wage costs in the construction sector, covering the period
from October 2023 to December 2024. Essentially, for an extended period, labor costs were not properly accounted for in the index, despite contractors' repeated complaints—this time, justifiably so. As a result, these costs were suddenly reflected in the January
index, creating a data distortion that misrepresents the real cost trends in the construction sector.
- ה-CPI של אוגוסט: הקריאה השנתית תואמת לצפי, אבל הקצב החודשי מפתיע ללמעלה
- מדד המחירים הכי קריטי בשנתיים האחרונות - מה ייחשב להפתעה ומה לאכזבה?
- המלצת המערכת: כל הכותרות 24/7
Excluding labor costs, the Construction Input Price Index still rose by 1.0%.
Over the past year, it has increased by 5.3%, largely driven by a 9.2% rise in labor costs and a 3.2% increase in equipment and vehicle rentals. The price index for materials and products climbed by 1.3% in January, with sharp increases in ready-mix concrete
(up 5.2%), mortar (up 4.0%), wall and floor tiles (up 1.8%), and marble (up 1.1%). On the other hand, prices for glass (-5.5%), construction iron (-2.3%), and iron mesh (-1.3%) declined. The wage index for construction workers jumped by 4.5% in January 2025.
