Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Recent reports from Israel Hayom reveal that a main reason behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet’s approval of the Lebanon ceasefire agreement was the United States’ decision to impose restrictions on certain military equipment and weaponry.
In return for Netanyahu’s approval, the Biden administration promised to supply Israel with advanced weaponry and upgrades previously withheld.
According to the report, the US will provide components to enhance the effectiveness of existing Israeli weapon systems, alongside offensive arms it had previously refrained from supplying. The deal includes critical military equipment such as guided bombs, artillery shells, and spare parts, as well as dozens of Caterpillar-manufactured D9 military bulldozers.
Impact of the Resistance to Reach Ceasefire
The D9 bulldozers, essential for Israeli attacks and demolitions, suffered heavy damage during the Israeli assaults in Gaza and Lebanon. Many were destroyed by anti-tank missiles and explosive devices, while others required extensive repairs. The US assistance package aims to replenish these losses.
The alleged restrictions followed months of strained military coordination. In May, the US suspended the delivery of heavy bombs weighing up to 2,000 pounds, citing concerns about their potential impact in densely populated areas. However, the ongoing genocide in Gaza has seen the US ramp up support for Israel, with billions in military aid allocated for the coming months.
In June, Israel signed a $3 billion deal for 25 F-35 fighter jets, and earlier this year, US President Joe Biden approved a $26.4 billion aid package, including $14 billion in military assistance.
Since the onset of Israel’s genocide in Gaza on October 7, 2023, the US has facilitated over 100 arms sales to Israel, including precision-guided munitions and bunker-busting bombs, according to The Washington Post. The recent ceasefire agreement appears to even increase American weapon exports.
In contrast, Netanyahu has continued to reject international calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, despite the ongoing genocide that has claimed the lives of over 53,000 Palestinian civilians.
The rejection also includes blocking ceasefire deals that would facilitate prisoner exchanges. Reports in Israeli media have revealed that Netanyahu’s office has actively worked to thwart any potential agreements with Hamas, even as Israeli fire has led to the deaths of Israeli prisoners.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has consistently blamed Hamas for rejecting ceasefire agreements, a claim repeatedly proven false by ongoing developments.
Despite mounting evidence, Biden has avoided pressuring Israel to halt its operations in Gaza, instead maintaining unwavering support for the Israeli government over the past year. This stance has been criticized for enabling the continuation of Israel’s genocide against Gaza’s civilian population.