Intercept: America Signs Largest Deal to Purchase Banned Cluster Munitions from Israel
The U.S. has entered into a $210 million deal to buy advanced cluster munitions from Israel, marking an unprecedented shift in military procurement.
The news indicates that the U.S. Department of Defense has secretly negotiated a significant contract to acquire advanced cluster munitions from an Israeli arms manufacturing company, valued at $210 million. This deal, reported by The Intercept, is notable for being one of the largest purchases of internationally prohibited weapons from Israel, which has been widely condemned for using such munitions against civilian populations. The procurement of these weapons signifies a rare shift in the longstanding military relationship, where historically the U.S. has been the primary supplier of arms to Israel rather than the other way around.
The contract, which was finalized in September, allows the U.S. to pay the Israeli company 'Tomer' over three years for the production of new 155mm ammunition intended to replace older, outdated cluster munitions that have resulted in unexploded ordnance in various countries, including Vietnam and Iraq. Julia Gledhill, a military contracting researcher at the Stimson Center in Washington, highlighted that this type of arrangement is unprecedented, noting it as an exclusive deal with a single source, which raises questions regarding both the ethical implications and the strategic motivations behind such a procurement.
Moreover, the implications of this deal extend beyond mere military logistics; it opens up broader discussions regarding international arms regulations and the U.S.'s stance on the use of controversial weapons. With the significant financial investment, it indicates an ongoing commitment to modernizing munitions despite the global outcry against their use, especially in civilian zones. This development could strain international relationships, particularly with countries advocating for stricter arms control measures and an end to the use of cluster munitions in military conflicts.