The Wall Street Journal: Nature and quantity of American weapons provided to Israel since October 7

The Wall Street Journal: Nature and quantity of American weapons provided to Israel since October 7

    Saturday, December 02, 2023   No comments

The American Wall Street Journal reported, in a report, about the United States supplying the Israeli occupation entity with large bunker-busting bombs, among tens of thousands of other weapons and artillery shells, during the ongoing war on Gaza.

The newspaper quoted American officials as saying, “The wave of weapons, including approximately 15,000 bombs and 57,000 artillery shells, began shortly after the October 7 attack, and has continued in recent days.”

According to an internal US government list of weapons, which US officials transferred to the Wall Street Journal, among the munitions that Washington transferred to Israel were more than 5,000 unguided Mk82 bombs, and more than 5,400 bombs with Mk82 warheads. A 2,000-pound Mk84 bomb, about a thousand GBU-39 small-diameter bombs, and about 3,000 JDAM bombs, which convert unguided bombs into guided bombs.

The United States also sent nearly 57,000 155 mm artillery shells and 100 advanced BLU-109 bombs weighing about 900 kilograms to Israel.

But Washington did not previously reveal the total number of weapons it sent to Israel, nor the transfer of 100 BLU-109 bombs.

American officials say that “the failure to disclose these weapons is a result of the fact that Israeli weapons come through a different mechanism, including military sales.”

Diplomatic challenge

According to the Wall Street Journal, this airlift of ammunition worth hundreds of millions of dollars, especially on C-17 military cargo planes flying from the United States to Tel Aviv, shows the diplomatic challenge facing the Biden administration, as “This aid could undermine the administration’s pressure to protect civilians.”

It is noteworthy that "Israel" is the largest recipient of American foreign military funding. Most of this aid comes in the form of arms grants, while it also has access to some of the most advanced US military technology.

American support also represents about 15% of the entity’s annual defense budget, according to the Axios website.

In this context, Elias Youssef, an American weapons transfer expert at the Stimson Center, said, “American weapons are widely used in the current Israeli operations in Gaza.”

The Pentagon had stated that it "will not place restrictions on how the Israeli army uses weapons provided by the United States."

A few days ago, the White House requested the removal of restrictions on all categories of weapons and ammunition that Israel is allowed to access from American weapons stockpiles stored in Israel itself, according to the American “The Intercept” website.

Also, Bloomberg newspaper reported that the Pentagon has increased its military aid to Israel, especially laser-guided missiles for the fleet of Apache warplanes, 155 mm shells, night vision devices, bunker-busting ammunition, and new military vehicles.

It is worth mentioning that Washington asks the occupation “army” to limit civilian casualties, and supports a humanitarian cessation of fighting, despite the unlimited military support it provides to “Israel”, which is constantly met with rejection by a large segment of American officials.

State Department official resigns over Biden administration’s handling of Israel-Hamas conflict

State Department official resigns over Biden administration’s handling of Israel-Hamas conflict

    Friday, October 20, 2023   No comments

A State Department official in the bureau that oversees arms transfers resigned this week in protest of the Biden administration’s decision to continue sending weapons and ammunition to Israel as it lays siege to Gaza in its war with Hamas.

In his resignation letter, Josh Paul, who has been the director of congressional and public affairs for the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs for over 11 years, said the Biden administration’s “blind support for one side” was leading to policy decisions that were “shortsighted, destructive, unjust and contradictory to the very values we publicly espouse.”

“The response Israel is taking, and with it the American support both for that response and for the status quo of the occupation, will only lead to more and deeper suffering for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people,” he wrote, adding, “I fear we are repeating the same mistakes we have made these past decades, and I decline to be a part of it for longer.”

Josh Paul bio and credentials:

(Former) Director at U.S. Department of State

Previously - and for the last decade - Director of Congressional & Public Affairs, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, U.S. Department of State, with responsibility for shaping and implementing an holistic communications strategy in support of U.S. security assistance, arms transfers, and global defense partnerships. Previously - consultant for the US & UK governments in Iraq & Palestine on institutional development and security sector governance; Hill alum (Steve Israel, D-NY); stints in Army Staff (G8) & OSD Policy (ME).

Days after Iranian officials unveiled new weapons systems, Military officials visit Russia

Days after Iranian officials unveiled new weapons systems, Military officials visit Russia

    Wednesday, August 23, 2023   No comments

Ten years ago, Russia cancelled many deals with Iran to honor Western sanctions on Iran. Today, Russia is more eager than Iran to expand military cooperation. These are signs of dramatic changes around the world not all of the consequences of which will be experienced immediately, but will change the world in the long run.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister of the Russian Federation Aleksandr Fomin meets with Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces Kioumars Heydari

 

Today, on 23 August 2023, Russian Deputy Defense Minister of the Russian Federation Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin has met with Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari.

 

The sides discussed bilateral military and military-technical cooperation.

 They also exchanged views on bilateral security issues and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening dialogue and increasing the level of development of contacts in the defense sphere. 

Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Reza Talaei Nik pointed to the increase in Iran's exports of military weapons to other countries, and said that Iran was an importer of military weapons, but now it is among the 10 largest countries in the world in defense industries.

In a statement to the Defense Industries Day on August 22, a spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Defense explained, “Before the revolution, 90% of our weapons and equipment were imported and we were dependent on several major countries, but now more than 90% of the weapons are more advanced than they were.” In the past, it was made in Iran. And 90% of dependence on the outside turned into 90% of self-reliance.

He added: We have now been able to achieve great leaps in the industry despite the sanctions, and he said, 80 defense systems are being produced by local defense industries.

He continued: Before the revolution, we had 31 local military products, but now more than 80 defense systems are produced by local defense industries, and each defense system has sub-systems.

He referred to the ability to export military equipment to other countries, and said: We were once the main importer of military products, but in the past year, the export of military products tripled, and more than 28 talks and visits were held by foreign delegations.

He said: Although these countries are not involved in any war, they buy because they are likely to be threatened and believe that the most advanced weapons are available to certain countries, and Iran is among the top ten countries in the world in defense industries.

He continued: We are heading towards producing hypersonic cruise missiles, and this step is very new and will increase our operational and defensive strength.

A senior official in “NATO”: Ukraine can join the alliance if it cedes part of its territory to Russia, and Medvedev, Kiyv respond

A senior official in “NATO”: Ukraine can join the alliance if it cedes part of its territory to Russia, and Medvedev, Kiyv respond

    Wednesday, August 16, 2023   No comments

 The Director of the Office of the Secretary General of NATO, Stian Jensen, said today, Tuesday, that “Ukraine can obtain membership in the alliance in return for ceding part of its territory to Russia.”

"I think that one of the solutions that enables Ukraine to obtain membership in NATO is to give up parts of it," the Norwegian newspaper "Verdens Gang" quoted Jensen as saying.

In response to a question by the newspaper whether the alliance believes that Ukraine should cede territories in order to achieve peace with Russia and NATO membership in the future, Jensen indicated that "a discussion of a possible post-conflict situation is already underway."

He explained that the issue of transferring regions to Russia had been raised, adding, "I am not saying that this will be the case, but it is likely to be a possible solution."

In response to the statements, Ukraine ruled out the idea of ceding any part of its territory to Russia in return for joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Mykhailo Podolyak, Ukraine's presidential advisor, described on Twitter the idea of his country ceding territory in return for joining NATO as "ridiculous".

Exchanging territory for membership, Podolyak said, means "choosing to defeat democracy, encouraging a global criminal, preserving Russian order, destroying international law, and passing on war to other generations."

He explained that anything other than a "crushing defeat" for Russian President Vladimir Putin would open Russia's "appetite for more," according to the Kyiv Independent newspaper.

It is noteworthy that since 2014, Ukraine has abandoned the status of a neutral country, and has set its course towards the European Union and NATO.

During the last “NATO” summit held last month, the alliance countries agreed on a multi-year support package for Ukraine, consisting of 3 points that include an assistance plan to bring the Ukrainian Armed Forces into line with NATO standards, the establishment of the “Ukraine-NATO” Council and confirmation of Ukraine’s right to join Swearing without prior implementation of the steps to achieve membership.

At the same time, no time frame has been set for Ukraine's entry into the alliance, which Kiev has insisted on, as well as the conditions that must be met in order to receive an official invitation to join the alliance.

Medvedev comments on a "new idea" presented by NATO for Ukraine's accession to the alliance and sets Russia's conditions

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, considered that in order for Ukraine to "enter" NATO, the country's authorities must abandon Kiev itself.

Medvedev said: “A new idea for Ukraine from the NATO office.” Ukraine could join NATO if it gave up the disputed territories. and what? The idea is intriguing. The only question is that all of their claimed lands are highly disputed. To enter, the authorities must forsake Kiev itself, the ancient capital of Russia. They will have to move the capital to Lvov.”

The Director of the Special Office of the Secretary-General of NATO, Stian Jensen, announced that Ukraine could join the alliance in exchange for ceding part of its territory to Russia.

A Translation of Medvedev's statement:

A new idea for Ukraine from the office of the North Atlantic Alliance:

Ukraine can join NATO if it gives up the disputed territories.

And what? The idea is curious. The only question is that all allegedly their territories are highly controversial. And in order to enter the bloc, the Kyiv authorities will have to give up even Kyiv itself, the capital of Ancient Rus'.

Well, they will have to move the capital to Lviv. Unless, of course, the psheks agree to leave Lemberg to lovers of bacon with coke.

In retreating from the threat of military intervention to restore the elected government.. ECOWAS: Dialogue with the leaders of the Nigerien coup is the "basic" of efforts to resolve the crisis

In retreating from the threat of military intervention to restore the elected government.. ECOWAS: Dialogue with the leaders of the Nigerien coup is the "basic" of efforts to resolve the crisis

    Thursday, August 10, 2023   No comments

The leaders of West African countries stressed Thursday that they will make negotiations with the military leaders who seized power in Niger the "base" of their efforts to defuse the crisis, in retreat from the threat of military intervention to restore the elected government.

"We prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the basis of our approach," said Nigerian President Paula Tinubu, who is chairing the emergency summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja.

The military council in Niger forms a new transitional government that includes 21 ministers

Today, Thursday, the head of the military council in Niger, Abd al-Rahman Tiani, signed a decree forming a new transitional government, local media reported.

Actoniger reported that Tiani signed the decree forming the transitional government yesterday, Wednesday, which is composed of 21 ministers and includes a small number of military personnel.

On July 27, soldiers in the Nigerien army announced, on state television, the dismissal of President Mohamed Bazoum, his detention in his residence, the closure of borders and the imposition of a curfew, explaining that they had decided to put an end to the current regime, after the deterioration of the security situation and economic mismanagement in the country.

In response to the military council's move, the Economic Community of West African States "ECOWAS" announced the imposition of sanctions on Niger, including closing its airspace and suspending trade exchanges with it.

For his part, Tianyi rejected these punishments, describing them as illegal, unfair and inhumane.

In early August, the participants in an emergency meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Economic Community of West African States, held in Abuja, adopted a plan in the event of a military intervention in Niger.

After mobilizing a force of 25,000 ECOWAS soldiers for possible intervention in Niger, the military council refused to receive the delegation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and the United Nations.

Coinciding with the announcement of the African crowd of a possible military intervention, the leaders of the military council announced the appointment of Ali Mahman Lamine Zain, an economist and former minister of finance, as prime minister in the country after Bazoum was dismissed due to his allowing foreign interventions in the country.

The military council announced the cancellation of a number of military cooperation agreements with France, in addition to ending the missions of the country's ambassadors to France, the United States, Nigeria and Togo.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the military council's decision to cancel the agreements concluded with it, stressing that it "only recognizes the previous authorities of Muhammad Bazoum" and rejects the decision.

It is noteworthy that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced in a statement that his country's government had decided to freeze some "foreign assistance programs" from which the government of Niger benefits.

Likewise, the United States and ECOWAS confirmed that they hoped to reach a diplomatic solution in Niger that would put things back in order.

It is noteworthy that both Mali and Burkina Faso supported the Transitional Military Council in Niger, and declared clearly that "any intervention by the Economic Community of West African States to return Bazoum to power would be tantamount to declaring war on them."

In the same context, Russia believed that foreign intervention would not allow a solution to the crisis in Niger, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that "it is unlikely that the intervention of forces from outside the region will allow the situation to improve."

It is noteworthy that the countries of the European Union began yesterday, Wednesday, to prepare to impose the first sanctions on members of the military council in Niger.

The situation in Niger raises concerns about the future of the country and the region, at a time when it faces increasing security challenges due to the threat of armed groups growing in the Sahel region. It also raises concern in the West, especially France and the United States of America, because the ousted president is considered Paris's first man in the African Sahel countries.

Algeria's Lieutenant General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of People's National Army, on an official visit to the Russian Federation

Algeria's Lieutenant General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of People's National Army, on an official visit to the Russian Federation

    Monday, July 31, 2023   No comments

And the statement of the Ministry of National Defense stated that, "At the invitation of Lieutenant General Sergey Shoigu, Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, pays an official visit to the Russian Federation, starting today."

"The visit, which falls within the framework of strengthening cooperation between the People's National Army and the Russian Armed Forces, will enable the two parties to discuss issues of common concern," the statement added.

The visit happens as Algeria’s media outlets reported on increased tension with Morocco, which appears to be using its connections to some Western governments to normalize its occupation of Western Sahara.

The Algerian newspaper, Al-Khabar, accused the UAE of supplying Morocco with a new spying system developed by the Israeli company Quadream, intended to penetrate the phones of officials and journalists in ten countries, as it was installed near the Algerian border, in a detailed report published last Thursday titled “Abu Dhabi.” The capital of confusion,” which is an Algerian slang word meaning “sedition.’

Algerian lawmakers comment on regional security matters: Tensions with Morocco are unprecedented, the return of relations is excluded, and Israel's participation in the US-led African Assad maneuver is provocative

Two Algerian parliamentarians said that restoring relations with Morocco is unlikely, and that they are going through a period of intense tension.

According to their talk, the current tensions are unprecedented in the relations between the two countries in recent years, and they are in contrast to the message of reassurance sent by King Mohammed VI in his last Throne Day speech.

Earlier, King Mohammed VI of Morocco called on Algeria to open the borders between the two brotherly neighboring countries and peoples.

This came during a speech by the King of Morocco to his people, on the occasion of Throne Day, which coincides with the twenty-fourth anniversary of his accession to the throne.

The King of Morocco said, “Our work to serve our people is not limited only to internal issues, but we are also keen to establish strong relations with brotherly and friendly countries, especially neighboring countries, according to a statement that Sputnik obtained a copy of.

"In recent months, many people have been asking about the relations between Morocco and Algeria, which are stable, and we look forward to them being better," he added.

Commenting on what was stated in King Mohammed VI's speech on Algeria, the Algerian parliamentarian, Moussa Kharfi, says that restoring relations with Morocco at the present time is not possible.

Kharfi explained, in his interview with “Sputnik”, that the matter is mainly related to relations between Morocco and Israel, as well as the issue of the Sahara.

Pointing out that the failure to settle the Sahara issue excludes the restoration of relations with him.

The Algerian parliamentarian, Riz

kani Suleiman, says that the relations between the two countries are currently farther than ever from the dialogue table.

Adding: “The statements of King Mohammed VI contradict the reality of relations between the two countries, as tension prevails in relations, which the Algerian president described four months ago as having reached the point of no return.”

And he continued, in his interview with “Sputnik”, that the prevailing tension in relations comes against the backdrop of what he describes as “provocations regarding the Sahara issue, as well as with regard to normalization with Israel.”

He believes that Israel's participation in the African Assad maneuver, led by the United States, came within the framework of provocations on the part of Morocco.

And he went on to say, “Algeria severed its relations with Morocco two years ago and prevented Moroccan airlines from passing through Algerian airspace as a response to the amount of evil that it received from Morocco.”

And he added, "Certainly no one benefits from the situation, and we all hope for a better reality for relations, especially for the common denominators that bring the two peoples together."

Earlier, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said that severing relations with Morocco was an alternative to war.

On August 24, 2021, Algeria severed its relations with Morocco, after closing the borders between the two countries since 1994 after the “Atlas Asni” hotel bombings in Marrakech, when the late King Hassan II imposed a visa on Algerians to enter the country, which prompted Algeria at the time to close the land borders. Between the two countries, this tension was also perpetuated by the severing of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Africa's new and perennial challenges

The African continent is a state of flux as it seeks to adjust to the new multipolar world order. 

Many African leaders attended the Russia-Africa Summit hosted by Putin in Russia this week. This week also saw another military takeover of the government, the removal of the president of Niger.

Algeria will support Niger in case of external military aggression, according to the Algerian publication Intel Kirby.

They reported on the potential invasion of Niger under the leadership of ECOWAS, stating that Algeria will not remain idle while its neighboring country faces an invasion.

There were already unconfirmed reports that the Algerian army has started increasing security measures and raising its level of readiness on the border with Niger.