The US has approved a shipment of bombs to the Israeli Air Force, including the half-ton “Mark 83” bombs, as reported by the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom.
This move comes amidst heightened regional tensions, particularly after Iran’s threats of retaliation following the killing of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and Hezbollah’s vows of revenge for the death of their top military leader, Fouad Shukr.
As tensions escalate, the U.S. is bolstering its support for Israel by deploying a large fleet of warships, fighter jets, and defense systems in the region to prepare for any potential conflicts.
According to Israel Hayom, the decision to send the “Mark 83” bombs was made even before the current escalation.
However, the fate of the heavier “Mark 84” bombs, each weighing one ton, remains uncertain with no clear indication of whether the US will approve their transfer to Israel.
These half-ton bombs will join approximately 1,700 “Mark 82” bombs, each weighing a quarter-ton, which the US had previously delivered to Israel. The shipment of “Mark 82” bombs was delayed due to ground operations in Rafah, as per the newspaper.
Details of the bombs sent to Israel include:
Mark 82: Weighs 250 kg (quarter-ton), quantity 1,700, shipment was delayed due to ground operations in Rafah.
Mark 83: Weighs 500 kg (half-ton), quantity undisclosed, essential for the aviation forces.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Defense announced it would deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the region.
President Joe Biden expressed hope on Sunday that Iran would reconsider its position despite its threats of retaliation for Haniyeh’s assassination.
