The United States is reportedly preparing to send additional bombs and weapons to Israel, even as it calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and opposes Tel Aviv’s plans for a ground invasion in southern Rafah, where many displaced Palestinians are trapped.
The proposed arms delivery includes approximately a thousand MK-82 500-pound (227kg) bombs and KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), which convert unguided munitions into precision-guided bombs.
The total shipment, including FMU-139 bomb fuses, is estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars, funded by US military aid to Israel.
Israel Invasion Of Gaza (Credits: Asharq Al-Awsat)
US officials, speaking anonymously to The Wall Street Journal, cited a US embassy assessment in Jerusalem stating that Israel requested the weapons for defense against regional threats and asserting that Israel takes effective action to prevent human rights violations by its security forces.
The Biden administration has bypassed Congress twice to urgently send bombs and munitions to Israel during the war, which has resulted in the deaths of over 28,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, and left tens of thousands more injured or missing.
Since the conflict began in October, the US has supplied Israel with roughly 21,000 precision-guided munitions, enough to sustain 19 weeks of bombing Gaza. However, this supply would be depleted rapidly if Israel also launched a full assault on Lebanon, where it has engaged in border fighting with Hezbollah.
President Biden has urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to agree to a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a credible plan to protect Palestinians in Rafah, where a ground invasion could prove disastrous given the densely packed population and dire humanitarian situation.
Despite international condemnation and warnings of catastrophic consequences, Israel is planning a ground invasion of Rafah, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stating that plans are being thoroughly prepared.
Netanyahu has rejected international pressure, vowing to reject “international dictates” on resolving the conflict with the Palestinians.
The situation remains tense, with the Biden administration urging restraint and a focus on protecting civilians, while Israel prepares for potential military action in Rafah.
