Illustration
Photo: AP
No cluster bombs to Israel
US Congress opposes delivering to Israel cluster bombs that were purchased before war even began
In recent days, Israel appealed to the US government to speed up a shipment of cluster bombs, which they claim will help the IDF in their fight against Hizbullah. These are M26 rockets, each containing thousands of ball bearings that scatter over large areas.
The sale of these cluster bombs to Israel was approved prior to the July 12th outbreak of fighting in Lebanon, although the final delivery was not executed. Israel intended to accumulate the bombs to prepare for the possibility of war with Arab nations. With the onset of the battle with Hizbullah, the need for them became urgent in order to deal with the organization's rocket launchers.
However, in Congress, which needs to approve the final delivery, voices of dissent have made themselves heard, claiming that such weaponry will increase civilian casualties. Congress is reevaluating their decision regarding the shipment and, in the event that it is approved again, delivery of the cluster bombs will come with a warning for Israel to be extra-careful in their use in Lebanon.
