In a recent report published by Axios, it was alleged that the United States would be diverting tens of thousands of artillery rounds meant for Ukraine to Israel, exacerbating the strain on the already depleted ammo stockpile. However, a US official has now denied this claim, maintaining that the ammunition formally allocated for Ukraine will not be redirected to Israel. Nevertheless, the situation highlights the mounting pressure faced by the US in supporting both Ukraine and Israel in their respective conflicts, as well as the urgent need to address the dwindling supplies of ammunition. As the Israeli forces continue their bombardment of Gaza, and with Ukraine engaged in a fierce battle against Russian forces, ensuring sufficient artillery ammunition for both nations remains a critical challenge for the US.
Table of Contents
US Official Denies Report of Artillery Shells Sent to Israel, Straining Ammo Stockpile
Background
The current conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza has led to intensified fighting and increased demands for ammunition. As a result, the United States plans to send tens of thousands of artillery rounds to Israel, which were initially designated for Ukraine. This decision has raised concerns about the strain on the US ammo stockpile, which is already under pressure due to heavy exchanges of artillery fire in Ukraine.
US Official Denies Report
Despite the report that the US is diverting artillery shells to Israel, a US official has denied these claims. In a statement to Insider, the official stated that the US is not diverting ammunition originally allocated for Ukraine to Israel. However, this denial does not alleviate the concerns about the strain on the US ammo stockpile, as both Israel and Ukraine may still require additional ammunition.
Israel’s Request for Artillery Shells
It is important to note that Israel had requested the artillery shells from the US before the current conflict with Hamas escalated. This request highlights the need for increased ammunition to support Israel’s defensive needs in its response to the attacks from Hamas.
Concerns About Ammo Supplies
The chair of NATO’s Military Committee has previously warned about the dwindling supplies of ammunition. The ongoing heavy exchanges of artillery fire in Ukraine have further stressed stockpiles in Western countries, including the US. With the additional demand for ammunition from Israel, the concerns about ammo supplies continue to grow.
US Military Aid to Israel
The first shipments of US military aid to Israel have already started to arrive, with more deliveries expected in the coming weeks. This aid includes precision-guided systems such as Joint Direct Attack Munitions and Small Diameter Bombs, along with 155mm artillery ammunition. These supplies are crucial for Israel’s defensive capabilities in the current conflict.
President Biden’s Request for Aid
President Biden has requested tens of billions of dollars in aid from Congress for both Israel and Ukraine. This request reflects the importance of supporting these two partners in their respective conflicts. The US has provided Ukraine with significant security assistance, totaling over $44 billion since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
US Military Assistance to Ukraine
In addition to financial aid, the US has also provided Ukraine with various high-profile systems to enhance its defense capabilities. These include M1A1 Abrams tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, Patriot air-defense systems, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and M777 Howitzers. Ammunition deliveries have been a critical aspect of the assistance provided to Ukraine, as it fights against Russian forces.
The Importance of Ammunition Deliveries to Ukraine
Amid the ongoing war and artillery exchanges in Ukraine, ammunition is of utmost importance. The US recognizes the significance of supporting Ukraine’s ammunition needs and has been working to increase munition production for Ukraine. However, it is worth noting that stockpiles, particularly of 155mm shells, are running low, which further emphasizes the urgency of providing adequate ammunition supplies.
Controversial Cluster Munitions for Ukraine
To address the immediate need for ammunition, the US previously sent cluster munitions to Ukraine in July. While controversial, these munitions aimed to alleviate stress on US ammo supplies and equip Ukrainian artillery with the ability to inflict more damage with fewer ammunition rounds. The issue of ammunition shortage remains a critical concern in the US-Ukraine partnership.
Increased Pressure on US to Support Two Partners
With the decision to send artillery rounds to Israel, the United States now faces increased pressure to support both Israel and Ukraine, two international partners engaged in conflicts. The demand for artillery ammunition is expected to rise further if Israel launches a ground invasion of Gaza. This increased demand from two partners could strain the already-stressed US stockpiles.
In conclusion, while a US official denied reports of artillery shells being sent to Israel, concerns about the strain on the US ammo stockpile persist. The ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have increased the demand for ammunition, putting pressure on Western countries, including the US, to support their partners. Ensuring an adequate supply of ammunition becomes crucial in maintaining the defensive capabilities of both Israel and Ukraine during these challenging times.