US Sends 2,000 Pound Bunker-Penetrating Bombs to Israel to Help Defeat Hamas
In a recent report from The Washington Post, it was revealed that the United States has sent 2,000 pound bunker-penetrating bombs to Israel, along with tens of thousands of other weapons and artillery shells, in an effort to help defeat Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The weapons transfers, which include about 15,000 bombs and 57,000 artillery shells, began shortly after the attack on October 7 and have continued in recent days. The US has not previously disclosed the number of weapons sent to Israel, nor the transfer of 100 BLU-109 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds each.
The air transfer of weapons, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, has been primarily carried out on C-17 military cargo planes flying from the US to Tel Aviv. This extensive weapons transfer indicates the diplomatic challenge facing the Biden administration as it urges Israel to prevent civilian casualties while using the ammunition supplied by the US.
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized the importance of Israel taking clear protective measures for the citizens of Gaza and ensuring continued humanitarian aid in the future. The US has also called on Israel to use smaller-diameter bombs in line with the calls made by Secretary Blinken and others.
In contrast to the US’s transparency in providing support to Ukraine in their fight against the Russian invasion, Washington has revealed very little about the amount and types of weapons it has sent to Israel during the current conflict. American officials explained that the secrecy is partly due to the fact that the weapons arrive in Israel through a different mechanism than other arms deals.
The report has raised concerns and questions about the US’s role in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the ethical implications of providing such extensive weaponry to the region. The situation remains complex and constantly evolving, with both diplomatic and humanitarian factors at play.