Israel’s Weapons Request from the US
During his visit to the United States in late July, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked President Joe Biden to send heavier bombs in case tensions with Lebanese Hezbollah on the northern border escalated. Following this request, Biden allegedly made a decision to deliver the half-ton MK-83 bombs used in warplanes.
The report states that there is no definitive information on whether Washington has made a decision regarding the transfer of the one-ton MK-84 bombs. This situation has led to various discussions in the international arena.
Discussions on Sending Heavy Weapons
The half-ton MK-83 bombs, which are said to have been approved, are expected to be delivered to Israel along with approximately 1,700 MK-82 bombs weighing 250 kilograms, which were stopped by the Biden administration after they were loaded onto the ship . It was noted that the shipment of the MK-82 bombs was stopped on Biden’s direct orders due to Israel’s discomfort with the airstrikes on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
After the attacks on October 7, 2023, the US restricted sending weapons to Israel for a while; However, it has recently lifted these restrictions and started sending weapons again. However, the ongoing public debate on the sending of heavy weapons is drawing attention.
MK-83 Bomb Features
The Mark 83 is a US-made bomb and is part of the Mark 80 series. These bombs are used especially against strategic targets such as large enemy buildings, factories, power centers, bridges, underground shelters and aircraft hangars.
