Why Israel wants 60,000 one-tonne US bombs — and why the deal is controversial
Why Israel wants 60,000 one-tonne US bombs
The United States is set to deliver 60,000 one-tonne bombs to Israel, a deal valued at $2.8 billion, to replenish stocks depleted by recent conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and other Middle Eastern theaters. Heavy bombs have become integral to Israel's airstrike campaign across seven regions, depleting its ammunition supplies. Amos Yadlin, a retired major general and former head of Israeli military intelligence, said Israel now needs to prepare for extended conflicts, leading to a renewed emphasis on heavy bombs for attacking underground infrastructure, particularly Hamas' tunnel networks in Gaza.
The proposed bombs include 20,000 Mk-84 and BLU-117 bombs, each weighing about 2,000 pounds, and 20,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads designed to penetrate soil, rock, or concrete. Critics, including Representative Gregory Meeks, a Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, argue that the munitions' powerful explosions and potential use in densely populated areas raise concerns about compliance with international law and civilian protection.
Despite these objections, it appears unlikely that Congress can block the transaction, as the administration has previously bypassed normal congressional review procedures using emergency powers.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
