As fighting in Gaza resumed following the expiration of the truce, questions arise about the significance of the recent US weapons shipments to Israel and how they may shape the course of the conflict. Israeli F-16 bombers wasted no time in launching airstrikes, targeting over 400 locations in Gaza. While the focus appeared to be in the north, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced plans for a potential advancement towards the center of Gaza City, involving tanks, artillery, armoured bulldozers, and infantry.
Meanwhile, conflicting reports emerged from Qatar, where intermediaries from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States were engaged in negotiations to secure another pause in the fighting. Initially, it was announced that talks were continuing, but later, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office issued a statement indicating that the head of the Mossad had ordered his team in Doha to return to Israel. However, it is likely that a small team of qualified liaison officers will remain in Doha to maintain communication channels. This decision serves to avoid straining relations with the United States, a traditional ally that has provided significant support to Israel during this crisis.
President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel resulted in a substantial increase in military supplies, including a $14.3 billion aid package for Israel’s defense. Since October 8, weapons and armaments have been continuously flowing into Israel, primarily through US C-17 aircraft and commercial airlifters. Recent reports revealed the types of bombs shipped to Israel, with a particular focus on the heavy “bunker busters.” The delivery included 100 BLU-109 bombs, which have thicker outer walls designed to penetrate deeper into the earth or through reinforced concrete before exploding. However, these bombs require costly upgrades, such as laser guidance heads and control tail units, to achieve precision targeting.
In addition to the bunker busters, the US also delivered 3,000 JDAM kits, which convert dumb bombs into smart weapons. The shipments reportedly included 5,400 MK84 general-purpose dumb bombs (900kg), 5,000 MK82 general-purpose dumb bombs (450kg), and 1,000 precision-guided GBU-39 “small diameter bombs” (150kg). Concerns about civilian casualties prompted the US to repeatedly urge Israel to reduce the number of non-combatants affected by aerial bombardment. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken specifically warned Israel against repeating the “massive levels of loss of civilian life and displacement” seen in previous conflicts.
Analyzing the types and quantities of bombs delivered to Israel raises questions about potential changes in Israel’s targeting strategies. The replenishment of bunker busters suggests no immediate shift in tactics, as Israel already had them in its arsenal. However, the ratio of conventional bombs to JDAM kits (1:3,000) and the inclusion of precision-guided “small-diameter bombs” indicate a possible effort to minimize civilian casualties. It remains unclear how many dumb bombs and smart kits were already available to Israel before October 7, making it difficult to determine the precise impact on ground targets.
As the conflict continues, further analysis will be necessary to assess any changes in Israel’s approach to aerial bombardment and its implications for civilian infrastructure and non-combatant casualties. The situation remains fluid, and it will take several more days to gain a clearer understanding of the evolving dynamics on the ground.
