The U.S. administration is urging Israel to avoid civilian casualties in the war against Hamas in Gaza but at the same time, the supply of munitions to Israel continues, "practically on a daily basis," American defense officials said.
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According to a Bloomberg report, the pentagon is transferring military aid according to requests from Israel and in addition to the ongoing provision of munitions for the Iron Dome missile defense system and smart bombs.
The report cited a document outlining the requests from a "senior Israeli leader," of weapons that have been delivered in recent weeks or would be delivered to the IDF. It includes some 2,000 laser guided missiles to arm Apache attack choppers and 57,000 155mm artillery shells.
The U.S. is also delivering 36,000 30mm shells, 1,800 M-141 bunker busting bombs and at least 3,500, night vision goggles out of the 5,000 requested by the Israeli government. The list also includes M4A1 assault rifles, 120 mm mortars and dozens of military vehicles. The U.S. also transferred two Iron Dome batteries and 312 munitions for them.
The Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the report, but officials said the list of munitions would bolster the ways to ensure Israel has the means to defend itself.
"It appears that the IDF is using Apache choppers to support troops encountering Hamas operatives on the ground," Michael Eisenstadt director of the Military and Security Studies Program at The Washington Institute said. "They may also be using laser guided missiles for targeted killings of senior Hamas officials, when possible."