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The American government has been refusing for months to supply Israel with an aid package that includes three major requests:
- Bunker-buster bombs
- Permission to use an air corridor through Iraq
- Advanced refueling planes
If those three requests don’t scream “we’re planning to bomb Iran’s nuclear facility”, I’m not sure what does:
Bunker-buster GBU-28 bombs: In 2005, the U.S. said it was supplying these bombs to Israel. In August 2006, The New York Times reported that the U.S. had expedited the dispatch of additional bombs at the height of the Second Lebanon War. The bombs, which weigh 2.2 tons each, can penetrate six meters of reinforced concrete. Israel appears to have asked for a relatively large number of additional bunker-busters, and was turned down.
Air-space authorization: An attack on Iran would apparently require passage through Iraqi air space. For this to occur, an air corridor would be needed that Israeli fighter jets could cross without being targeted by American planes or anti-aircraft missiles. The Americans also turned down this request. According to one account, to avoid the issue, the Americans told the Israelis to ask Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki for permission, along the lines of “If you want, coordinate with him.”
Refueling planes. An air attack on Iran would require refueling of fighter jets on the way back. According to a report on Channel 10 a few weeks ago, the U.S. rejected an Israeli request for more advanced refueling tankers, of the Boeing 767 model.
We’re not exactly standing by Israel’s side unconditionally. Let me highlight a fairly obvious American snub in regards to using Iraqi airspace:
According to one account, to avoid the issue, the Americans told the Israelis to ask Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki for permission, along the lines of “If you want, coordinate with him.”
Ouch.
The American government, always the generous heart, has decided to provide defensive technology to Israel instead. But here’s the kicker. It’s not just equipment, but American military soldiers too!
However, it appears that in compensation for turning down Israel’s “offensive” requests, the U.S. has agreed to strengthen its defensive systems.
During the Barak visit, it was agreed that an advanced U.S. radar system [X-Band Radar] would be stationed in the Negev, and the order to send it was made at that time. The system would double to 2,000 kilometers the range of identification of missiles launched from the direction of Iran, and would be connected to an American early warning system.
The system is to be operated by American civilians as well as two American soldiers. This would be the first permanent U.S. force on Israeli soil.
Rest assured, this will be developing over the next few months as Russia recently announced that Iran’s first nuclear plant will be operational this fall.
UPDATE:
U.S. reverses decision on bunker-buster bombs: 1,000 smart bombs will be sold to Israel
The US Department of Defense has notified Congress of a potential sale to Israel of 1,000 smart bombs capable of penetrating underground bunkers, which would likely be used in the event of a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Step one, check. Next is that air corridor through Iraq.
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