Stock depletion, declining supply prompt 'Israel' to restrict arms use

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
13 Oct 2024 15:34
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The Israeli newspaper Haaretz cites sources as saying that the Israeli military is now operating under "tight weapons management."

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Israeli soldiers sleep on tanks in a staging area in northern occupied Palestine near the border with Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP)

The Israeli military has adopted a policy of "strict weapons economy" regarding the use of shells and other arms in response to the depletion of ammunition stocks and the global embargo on arms exports to "Israel", the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.

According to Haaretz sources, the Israeli military is now operating under "tight weapons management," with the authorization for using certain weapons being elevated in some cases to brigade commanders who hold the rank of colonel.

This policy is designed to ensure that senior commanders prioritize weapon usage based on their operational objectives, a responsibility previously handled by lower-ranking officers.

The Israeli military also mentioned that its "ammunition economy" for Iron Dome interceptions began in the second week of the war. However, the current state of ammunition stocks has necessitated further restrictions.

This comes as "Israel" is facing relentless military operations involving rocket, missile, and drone launches by the factions of the Axis of Resistance, namely Hezbollah, the Palestinian Resistance, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, and the Yemeni Armed Forces, since the onset of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.

In light of these developments, countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada have recently imposed restrictions on arms exports to "Israel", raising concerns that Israeli-owned companies may not be able to offset these losses.

The devastating number of Palestinian civilians killed due to Israeli attacks on Gaza sparked widespread pressure on several countries to limit their weapons exports to "Israel", especially after an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling called on the occupation entity to do everything possible to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza.

In a related context, the Israeli security establishment has expressed concern over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to delay Security Minister Yoav Gallant's visit to the United States.

Senior officials indicated that Gallant's planned meetings with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other top officials in Washington were intended to discuss "Israel's" arms requirements and shipments, as well as the potential for an attack on Iran.

Netanyahu postponed Gallant's trip, insisting on speaking directly with US President Joe Biden before the visit.

A couple of days ago, Netanyahu and Biden held a 30-minute phone call—their first in seven weeks—during which they discussed the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran, with the Israeli premier seeking to gauge US support and understanding of the situation.