The United States recently paused a shipment of bombs to Israel out of concerns that they could potentially be used in a military incursion in Rafah. The specific shipment in question included 1,800 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds and 1,700 bombs weighing 500 pounds. There is a particular focus on the potential impact of the 2,000-pound bombs in densely populated urban settings, such as Gaza. While Israeli leaders have been warning about an invasion of Rafah, the US has publicly stated that such a ground operation should not occur in order to protect the civilians in the area.
Israel recently conducted a “limited” operation in Rafah, taking over a vital border crossing with Egypt that serves as a lifeline for humanitarian aid. The US has described this operation as limited but expressed concerns about what may come next. The Biden administration has called for a comprehensive plan to protect over a million civilians in Rafah and prevent a further humanitarian crisis in the region. The ongoing discussions between the US and Israel regarding a potential major ground operation in Gaza have led to a review of proposed weapon transfers to Israel, including the two types of bombs that were paused in shipment.
The US and Israel have been in regular communication about Israel’s military plans, but the administration has noted that detailed plans for a major ground operation in Gaza are not yet ready. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated the necessity of a ground operation in Rafah to pressure Hamas and secure victory. The US began reviewing potential weapon transfers to Israel that might be used in Rafah as Israel’s leadership moved closer to making a final decision. The shipment of bombs and other munitions has been paused pending further evaluation, given the devastating impact such weapons can have in densely populated areas.
Former US defense intelligence analyst Marc Garlasco has compared Israel’s bombardment in Gaza to the intensity seen during the Vietnam War. The US is also reviewing the potential sale or transfer of other munitions, such as Joint Direct Attack Munition kits, to Israel in the future. The Pentagon has reiterated its commitment to Israel’s security, stating that while there may be pauses in shipments, the defense of Israel remains a top priority. The US has surged security assistance to Israel in recent months, further underscoring its unwavering support for the country’s defense.
