The Biden administration has recently authorized the transfer of more than 1,000 500-pound bombs and over 1,000 small-diameter bombs to Israel, as reported by sources familiar with the matter. This decision has raised concerns due to Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza.
The approval for the transfer of MK82 bombs and small-diameter bombs was granted before an Israeli strike on a humanitarian convoy in Gaza that resulted in the tragic deaths of seven World Central Kitchen employees. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that the aid workers were unintentionally targeted.
Last week, the US also authorized the transfer of nearly 2,000 2,000-pound bombs known as the MK84. These weapons have been linked to mass casualty events in Gaza, including strikes on refugee camps in the past.
It is important to note that these transfers did not require new approval from Congress, as they were previously authorized in 2012 and 2015. The contracts for these transfers are now being fulfilled as the munitions had to be produced, a process that can take several years.
The news of these authorizations comes at a time when Israel is facing international condemnation over recent events in Gaza. The Biden administration's decision to provide additional weaponry to Israel amidst these circumstances has sparked debate and raised questions about the US's role in the conflict.
