US Suspends Delivery of Bombs to Israel Due to Apprehensions Regarding Possible Employment in Rafah Operations, According to US Representative
A shipment containing 1,800 bombs with a weight of 2,000 pounds and 1,700 bombs of 500 pounds that were previously held back has been under scrutiny. Focus remains on the potential impact of the larger bombs in densely populated areas, such as those seen in other areas of Gaza.
CNN reported that one delivery of ammunition to Israel had been halted, but the motive wasn't clear.
Israeli authorities have been anticipating an invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah for some time, despite public statements from the US and others opposing a ground campaign. The Biden administration advocated for a more extensive strategy to safeguard over a million civilians seeking shelter in Rafah, and to avert the expansion of the ongoing humanitarian predicament in the coastal territory.
On Monday, Israel implemented a "limited" operation in Rafah, taking control of the border crossing with Egypt, a critical route for humanitarian aid.
"This appears to be a limited operation, but of course, a lot depends on what transpires next," State Department spokesperson Matt Miller remarked on Tuesday. "They have made it quite clear that they wish to conduct a substantial military operation there. We have expressed our opposition to such an operation."
The US and Israel have been discussing the Israeli military's intentions to engage in a significant ground operation in the southern region of Gaza. However, the administration maintains that these plans are far from mature.
"We've seen some concepts, but there's nothing tangible at this point," Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder noted during a press conference on Monday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has persistently claimed that a ground operation in Rafah is essential to preserve pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages and achieve victory. As Israel's administration approached a final decision, the US began evaluating potential shipments of certain weapons to Israel that could potentially be utilized in Rafah, according to a US official. This process commenced in April and resulted in the interruption of the delivery of two types of bombs.
"We haven't made a final decision on how to proceed with this shipment," the official stated.
Weighing among the largest conventional weapons in the US arsenal, 2,000-pound bombs can inflict severe damage, particularly in densely populated zones like Gaza. These bombs create a massive crater and can propel lethal shrapnel across vast distances. A CNN analysis of satellite photos during the conflict disclosed over 500 impact craters that were consistent with the use of a one-ton bomb.
Former US defense intelligence analyst and previous UN war crimes investigator, Marc Garlasco, stated in December that the intensity of Israel's first month of assaults in Gaza surpassed any since Vietnam.
The US is also considering various transfers or sales of other munitions, such as Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, to Israel. However, these procedures are not imminent and will occur in the future, the official noted.
The Pentagon wouldn't comment on pauses in shipments, but maintained that the US's dedication to Israel's safety remains unwavering.
"Our commitment to Israel's security remains steadfast," Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized in a briefing on Tuesday. "Since October 7, you've observed us augment security assistance to Israel. Therefore, while I won't provide any additional details, I can tell you that our commitments to Israel's security remain unchanged."
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Source: edition.cnn.com
