US Pressures Israel for Ceasefire While Planning Weapons Support Worth Hundreds of Billions

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 16th (local time) that the United States is preparing to provide additional weapons support to Israel, which is at war with the Palestinian armed group Hamas.

On the 3rd of last month (local time), smoke rose from an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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According to the report, the weapons include about 1,000 MK-82 bombs and KMU-572 joint direct attack munitions each, worth tens of millions of dollars (hundreds of millions of Korean won). The MK-82 bomb is not highly precise in attack accuracy, but it is estimated that Israel will enhance its precision using its own capabilities.

The plan to transfer weapons was made following the Israeli government's request for the acquisition of weapons for national defense, WSJ reported. Currently, Israel is preparing an offensive on Rafah, the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip, where over one million refugees have gathered, raising concerns about civilian casualties. However, the weapons transfer report drafted by the U.S. Embassy in Israel stated that there are no potential human rights issues related to the U.S. provision of weapons. The report explained, "Israel is taking effective measures to prevent serious human rights violations and to hold security forces accountable for human rights abuses."

Immediately after the war began, the United States provided Israel with approximately 21,000 precision-guided munitions. About half of these have been used, and U.S. intelligence agencies assess that the remaining stockpile is sufficient for Israel to conduct combat operations in the Gaza Strip for more than 19 weeks. However, if the front expands to include Hezbollah, the pro-Iran armed group in Lebanon, the supply could be reduced to a matter of days.

President Biden has ordered restraint in Israel's military operations within the Gaza Strip, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is taking a hardline stance. Meanwhile, WSJ explained that President Biden has so far sold weapons to Israel without attaching special conditions. In the past, the U.S. government has often imposed conditions when providing military support to allies or friendly countries.

Brian Finucane, senior advisor at the International Crisis Group, a conflict-focused think tank, pointed out, "The United States is trying to put out the flames while simultaneously pouring fuel on regional conflicts."

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