The United States has temporarily halted a shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns that they may be used in a potential incursion in Rafah. The shipment includes 1,800 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds and 1,700 bombs weighing 500 pounds. US officials are particularly concerned about the impact of the 2,000-pound bombs in dense urban settings, such as Gaza. Israeli leaders have been warning of an invasion of Rafah, but the US and others have opposed such a ground operation, calling for a comprehensive plan to protect civilians and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
Israel recently carried out a limited operation in Rafah, taking over a vital border crossing with Egypt. The State Department described this as a limited operation, but the situation could escalate depending on what happens next. The US government has made it clear that they oppose a major military operation in Rafah and are working to protect civilians in the area. The US and Israel have been in communication regarding the Israeli military’s plans for a ground operation, but details are still unclear. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes that a ground operation in Rafah is necessary to pressure Hamas and secure the release of hostages.
The US began reviewing proposed arms transfers to Israel that could be used in Rafah, leading to the pause in shipments of the two types of bombs. Among the largest conventional weapons in the US arsenal, 2,000 pound bombs could have a devastating impact, especially in densely populated areas like Gaza. The US is also reviewing the potential sale or transfer of other munitions, including Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, but these transfers are not imminent. The Pentagon reiterated its commitment to Israel’s security despite the pause in shipments and reviews of arms transfers.
Marc Garlasco, a former US defense intelligence analyst and UN war crimes investigator, has noted the high density of Israel’s bombardment in Gaza, comparable to levels seen in Vietnam. The US is continuing to review arms transfers to Israel, including potential sales or transfers of other munitions. Despite the pause in some shipments and reviews of arms transfers, the US remains committed to Israel’s security. The Pentagon emphasized its ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, citing recent surges in security assistance to Israel and reiterating that commitments to Israel’s security remain unchanged.
