US to reroute artillery shells meant for Ukraine to Israel

Thousands of US 155mm artillery shells, originally destined for Ukraine, will now be re-routed to Israel, as America’s closest ally in West Asia finds itself in an intense conflict with Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. The Pentagon is planning on sending these munition to Israel, Axios reported, citing Israeli officials in the know of things. The United States maintains an ammunition stockpile at a facility within Israel, with exclusive access limited to US forces. Earlier this year, amid Ukraine’s high demand for ammunition, the US started transferring shells from this facility and another stockpile located in South Korea. Israeli officials have now disclosed that, at the request of the Israeli government, the United States will replenish this stockpile by redirecting ammunition originally allocated for Ukraine. These artillery shells are expected to reach Israel in the coming weeks. This announcement closely follows a visit by US President Joe Biden to Israel. Following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu mentioned that President Biden had pledged a “massive, unprecedented” military aid package. It remains uncertain whether the artillery shells were part of this package. The timing of the conflict between Israel and Hamas coincided with Ukraine’s pressing need for international support. Ukraine’s efforts in its summer counteroffensive had yielded limited gains at a substantial human cost. Kyiv is actively seeking assistance from European nations that lack the capacity to manufacture the required arms, while US officials are reportedly focused on expediting weapon deliveries to Israel. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky emphasized the importance of long-distance missiles and weapons during a recent visit to NATO headquarters, stressing the need for support from global leaders. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has asserted that the United States can sustain its commitment to multiple international conflicts. However, funds allocated to Ukraine by Congress are dwindling, and President Joe Biden is reportedly working to secure approval from the increasingly Ukraine-sceptic Republican Party for a $60 billion military and economic aid package by linking it to a $10 billion aid package for Israel, which traditionally garners more bipartisan support. Despite not heavily relying on artillery in its conflict with Hamas, Israel has been primarily using airstrikes to target Gaza while also engaging in sporadic exchanges of fire with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and the Golan Heights. Nonetheless, Israeli forces are currently amassed along the Gaza border in readiness for a forthcoming ground operation, as indicated by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who stated that the operation would occur “soon.” The urgency for artillery shells is highlighted by Israeli officials, signifying their essential role in the potential offensive.