Issues Under Fire: Cheap but Lethal U.S. Munitions Used in Gaza
Day 29 of the Assault on Gaza: With over 1900 dead and over 10,000 wounded , it might be wise to use this latest Egyptian brokered ceasefire to review who helped it happen. Considering the use of imprecise munitions to strike militant positions is the reason for the criminally high death toll among Palestinian civilians, one would think the United States would have rethought selling Israel the cheap stuff until the IDF had proven they'd be used sparingly.
However, on July 20 when Israel placed its foreign military sales request for munitions, they received all the 120mm tank rounds and 40mm illumination rounds for grenade launchers they could carry away from a United States weapons stockpile. No questions asked! Being best buds with the U.S., the Israelis are fast tracked whenever making request for weapons. BTW, they also picked up a bunch of 140mm tank rounds and 40mm illumination grenades just in case!
According to pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirk, issuing munition to Israel from its stash was strictly a sourcing decision that didn't even need White House approval. One has to wonder if this means the Obama administration can maintain a comfortable distance from this potentially controversial sale, or worse. Some might be concerned that Israel has unfettered access to U.S. weapons stockpiles without any visible oversight. This issue should raise some serious questions all by itself, but we have a limit of one crazy exposé per post.
While these cheaper weapons are some of the most lethal and devastating on the market, sadly, they aren't very bright. In fact, they're down right dumb compared to the more humane high-end precision guided products available. You just point and let her rip! They don't necessarily hone in on anything specific. These munitions are designed to simply smash and blast everything and everybody in the vicinity. They make a hell of a mess, too, but its not as though Israel has to clean up afterwards.
Bottom line" If the lives of those caught in one's crossfire are of little value, it makes no sense to invest or commit huge financial resources to prosecute a simple military operation. After all, killing is cheaper by the dozen. Apparently, the Israelis are willing to accept worldwide condemnation and international isolation for flouting the rules of war. Its not like its the first time and it surly won't be the last. If accuracy and precision cost more, to hell with world opinion.
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