Representational.
Since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October, the Biden administration has significantly bolstered Israel's military arsenal, sending over 10,000 powerful 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles, according to two US officials privy to the latest weapons shipments.
Between the start of the war and recent weeks, the US has supplied Israel with at least 14,000 MK-84 2,000-pound bombs, 6,500 500-pound bombs, 3,000 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, 1,000 bunker-buster bombs, 2,600 small-diameter bombs, and other munitions. This substantial support underscores the unwavering military aid from the US despite international calls for restraint, reported Reuters.
The weapons deliveries align with Israel's needs to replenish stocks exhausted during the intensive military operations in Gaza, which intensified after the October 7 attack by Hamas militants, resulting in 1,200 Israeli casualties and 250 hostages.
Tom Karako, a weapons expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, emphasized the extensive support, noting the munitions listed are precisely what Israel would use against Hamas or in potential conflicts with Hezbollah.
These shipment figures, not previously disclosed, provide a detailed and current overview of the munitions sent to Israel since the conflict began. Tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have also escalated, raising concerns of a broader conflict.
While the White House and the Israeli Embassy in Washington have not commented, a senior Biden administration official confirmed that since October 7, the US has sent $6.5 billion worth of weapons to Israel. Despite claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington was withholding weapons, US officials have denied such allegations, acknowledging only some logistical delays.
The Biden administration has paused one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs due to concerns over their impact in Gaza's densely populated areas but insists that other arms deliveries are proceeding as planned. These large bombs are known for their capacity to penetrate thick concrete and metal, causing extensive damage.
Amid international scrutiny, the Palestinian death toll in Gaza has surpassed 37,000, as reported by the Gaza health ministry, leaving the region devastated.
Washington provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military assistance. President Biden has hinted at conditional aid contingent on Israel's protection of civilians and facilitation of humanitarian aid, though no such conditions have been imposed beyond the delayed shipment in May.
Biden's unwavering support for Israel has faced political backlash, particularly among young Democrats, as he seeks re-election. This stance has sparked "uncommitted" protest votes in primaries and pro-Palestinian demonstrations at US universities.
Unlike the detailed disclosures of US military aid to Ukraine, the extent of weapons and munitions sent to Israel remains less transparent, partly due to the fulfillment of long-approved arms sales.
One US official mentioned that the Pentagon maintains sufficient weapon stocks and has collaborated with industry partners like Boeing and General Dynamics to ensure ongoing production.