The United States has approved the shipment of bombs to the Israeli Air Force, as reported by the newspaper "Israel Hayom." The report discusses the "Mark 83" bombs, which weigh half a ton. While Iran threatens retaliation for the assassination of Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and Hezbollah vows to avenge the death of its top military commander Fuad Shukr, the U.S. is working to bolster its support for Israel. Washington is deploying a large fleet of warships, fighter jets, and defense systems in the region in anticipation of potential tensions.
According to "Israel Hayom," the decision to approve the shipment of "Mark 83" bombs was made even before the current escalation. In contrast, the fate of the larger "Mark 84" bombs, which weigh one ton each, remains uncertain, with no clear indication of whether the U.S. will agree to transfer them to Israel. These half-ton bombs will join approximately 1,700 "Mark 82" bombs, each weighing a quarter ton, that the U.S. had previously delivered to Israel.
According to the newspaper, the details of the bombs being sent to Israel are as follows:
- "Mark 82": Weighs 250 kg (quarter ton), quantity 1,700; this shipment was delayed amid the ground operation in Rafah.
- "Mark 83": Weighs 500 kg (half ton) with the quantity sent not disclosed; they are important for the air force.
The U.S. Department of Defense stated on Friday that it will deploy additional fighter jets and naval warships in the region. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed hope on Sunday that Iran would reconsider its stance despite threats of retaliation for Haniyeh's assassination. The U.S. also urged its citizens wishing to leave Lebanon to begin planning their departure immediately on Wednesday.
