On Thursday, an American official confirmed that the United States has agreed to transfer thousands of new bombs to Israel. However, the delivery will not occur until at least next year. The approved transfer includes a thousand 500-pound Mk 82 bombs, more than a thousand small-diameter bombs, and fuses for Mk 80 bombs. This decision comes despite growing criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The munitions were obtained from long-ago approvals to send weapons to Israel and will not be delivered until 2025. The Washington Post published a report on the approvals earlier on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing support that the US provides to its ally, Israel. The same day the approvals were issued, Israel launched a raid on Gaza that resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers. Washington expressed anger over the attacks and demanded that Israel conduct a rapid investigation.
A second American official mentioned that the Israeli attack occurred after the approvals for the weapons transfer had been issued. This shows that despite growing tensions in the region and international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, the United States continues to supply weapons to its ally.