Israel, accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has been deploying advanced U.S.-sourced weapon systems and smart ammunition in Gaza since the Hamas incursion on October 7, 2023. Among the weapons used is the GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb, a high-tech guided bomb, which reports allege was deployed during a May 26 attack on unprotected tents housing displaced Palestinians in Rafah, resulting in dozens of casualties. Israeli warplanes reportedly launched at least eight rockets during the strike, despite claims that only two 17-kilogram smart munitions were used to minimize civilian casualties.
Since the onset of the conflict, the United States has supplied Israel with an unprecedented volume of arms. In the first 45 days alone, over 10,000 tons of weapons were delivered via 244 cargo planes and 20 ships, including more than 15,000 bombs and 50,000 artillery shells. Additionally, an undisclosed quantity of weapons was transferred from U.S. War Reserves Stock Allies-Israel (WRSA-I) warehouses.
Over 100 military sales to Israel were approved between October 2023 and March 2024, with only two publicly disclosed. The most significant deal is an $18 billion sale of 50 new F-15 fighter jets, including AIM-120 missiles and JDAM kits to convert unguided bombs into precision weapons. In January, reports emerged about the planned sale of F-35 planes, Apache attack helicopters, drones, and thousands of artillery shells to Israel. By March, the U.S. approved a $2.5 billion sale of 25 F-35s and related equipment.
However, recent reports indicate that the U.S. has postponed the delivery of approximately 6,500 JDAMs and halted a shipment of 3,500 bombs due to concerns about their use in densely populated areas. Despite these pauses, an agreement was signed on June 4 for the sale of 25 additional F-35 aircraft to Israel.
Israel’s military heavily relies on U.S.-supplied weapons across its land, naval, and air forces. For instance, the Israeli Air Force uses F-15 Eagle, F-35I Adir, and F-16I Fighting Falcon aircraft, all U.S.-origin. U.S.-supplied AH-64 Apache helicopters and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters also play critical roles in Israeli operations.
The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), extensively used by Israel, has seen action in previous Gaza conflicts, including the current one. Israel’s version, “Menatetz,” can fire both Israeli and U.S.-made rockets. Similarly, the M109 howitzer has been deployed, with Israel using tens of thousands of U.S.-made 155-millimeter shells, some containing white phosphorus, which is prohibited for use in civilian areas.
In naval operations, the Israeli Navy utilizes German-made ships primarily, but U.S.-made Sa’ar 5 class corvettes have been used in attacks on Gaza since October 2023.
Overall, the extensive use of U.S.-supplied weapons by Israel in the ongoing Gaza conflict has drawn significant scrutiny and criticism, underscoring the complex dynamics of international arms sales and their impact on global conflict zones.–News Desk