US Secretly Providing Israel with Ammunition and Laser-Guided Missiles, Reveals Report

The Pentagon has increased its military aid to Israel, providing them with additional laser-guided missiles for their Apache gunships, 155mm shells, night-vision devices, bunker-buster munitions, and new army vehicles, according to an internal Defense Department list. This support goes beyond the well-known supply of Iron Dome interceptors and smart bombs from Boeing. The aid is being delivered despite the Biden administration’s warnings to Israel about minimizing civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

The specific weapons requested by Israel, as they combat the designated terrorist group Hamas, are detailed in a document labeled “Israel Senior Leader” requests. This document, dated late October and circulating in the Pentagon, reveals that the arms are either being shipped or made available from stockpiles in the US and Europe. By late October, a significant portion of the requested ammunition and devices had already been delivered.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the specifics of the aid, but stated that they are utilizing various resources to ensure Israel has the means to defend itself. The US is rapidly providing precision-guided munitions, small-diameter bombs, artillery shells, and other munitions, in addition to the Iron Dome interceptors and medical support equipment.

However, the provision of artillery shells and other munitions has faced criticism from non-governmental organizations. They argue that these supplies have enabled Israel to continue its bombing campaign, resulting in a high number of casualties in the Gaza Strip. These organizations claim that the artillery shells are indiscriminate and often miss their intended targets.

Among the aid provided are laser-guided missiles for the Apache helicopter gunships. This includes Hellfire missiles made by Lockheed Martin Corp. and 30mm cannon ammunition. Israel has been utilizing Apache helicopters to support its troops in contact with Hamas fighters, using the chain guns against exposed fighters and the Hellfire missiles against vehicles, fighting positions, and bunkers used by Hamas.

Israel has also requested a range of other supplies, such as artillery shells, rifles, night vision devices, bunker-buster munitions, mortars, and new Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. The tally also reveals that the US has donated its inventory of Tamir missile interceptors and is shipping the Army’s two Iron Dome batteries to Israel.

Furthermore, the US is sending back 155mm shells to Israel. These shells had originally been sent from US stocks in Israel to US European Command locations to replenish munitions used by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Now, the restocked munitions are being sent back to Israel for use against Hamas.

In addition to the aid provided to Israel, they have also requested 200 armor-piercing Switchblade 600 dive-bombing drones from AeroVironment Inc. It is unclear if the company has these drones in stock or if they would need to be built. The US Army does not currently have any Switchblade 600s in its inventory.

Overall, the US continues to support Israel with a steady supply of military aid, despite concerns about civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.