The U.S. has sent large amounts of munitions to Israel since the start of the Gaza war.

From Investing.com: 2024-06-28 16:56:59

The Biden administration has sent large amounts of munitions to Israel since the start of the Gaza war, including over 10,000 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles. At least 14,000 MK-84 bombs, 6,500 500-pound bombs, and other munitions have been transferred since October 7, according to U.S. officials.

While no timeline was given, the significant transfers show continuous U.S. military support for Israel, despite calls to limit weapons supplies. Experts believe the munitions are necessary to replenish Israel’s supplies used in the intense Gaza military campaign launched last October against Hamas militants, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages.

According to weapons expert Tom Karako, the shipments show substantial U.S. support for Israel’s fight against Hamas and potential conflicts with Hezbollah. These deliveries, previously unreported, offer new insight into the scale of the weapons support provided by the U.S. to Israel since the Gaza war began.

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have engaged in exchanges of fire throughout the conflict, raising concerns about a possible all-out war. The U.S. White House declined to comment on the situation, while the Israeli Embassy in Washington did not immediately provide a statement.

The $6.5 billion worth of weapons sent to Israel since October, as well as claims by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. had been withholding arms shipments, have fueled conflicting reports. While one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs was paused due to concerns over civilian impact, all other arms deliveries continue as planned.

The U.S. and Israel are in discussions regarding the resumption of a suspended shipment of large bombs, paused in May due to operation worries in Rafah. International criticism of Israel’s military action in Gaza has intensified as the death toll surpasses 37,000, leaving the enclave devastated.

Despite giving $3.8 billion in annual military assistance to Israel, President Biden has warned of imposing conditions on aid if civilian protection and humanitarian access to Gaza are not prioritized. Concerns over Biden’s support for Israel have caused rifts among young Democrats and sparked pro-Palestinian protests.

While the U.S. discloses detailed information about military aid to Ukraine during the Russian invasion, fewer details are provided about arms sent to Israel. Some weapons were approved by Congress years ago but are now being fulfilled, making tracking of these shipments challenging.



Read more at Investing.com: Exclusive-US has sent Israel thousands of 2,000-pound bombs since Oct. 7 By Reuters