A reporter asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Capitol Hill yesterday if he would like to get his hands on some B-2 stealth bombers and bunker buster bombs that can be armed with as provided for in pending congressional legislation. According to Fox News, he appeared to “relish” the thought. “Would I like to see Israel have the capacities that the United States has? Of course we’d like it. Who wouldn’t want it?” he said. “But we are appreciative of what assistance we’ve received, and I think it’s served not only the interest of Israel’s security but America’s security and the security of the free world,” he claimed.
While it’s not clear if B-2 bombers could ever be transferred to Israel, Haaretz revealed yesterday $1.5 billion in military construction projects, already underway or planned in Israel, that are being paid for by the U.S. The projects, described by documents available on line from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, include infrastructure for new air-refueling aircraft and helicopters Israel is buying from the U.S., clinics, naval piers, headquarters for different units, and ammunition storage sites. It also involves upgrades to existing infrastructure, runway renovations and aircraft painting facilities.
What did arrive in Israel today from the U.S. were Caterpillar D9 bulldozers. Back in November, the Biden administration had held up these deliveries over concerns that the bulldozers were being used to flatten homes in Gaza. That restriction has apparently been lifted, as Israeli Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram personally went down to the Haifa port to welcome the bulldozers. The Times of Israel reported that they were loaded onto trucks and taken to an IDF logistics center to install armor on them.
