Danny Zaken
Israel Hayom, Nov. 27, 2024
“This shift primarily reflects a change in State Department strategy, which had previously sought to influence Israel’s military operations, particularly regarding advances into Rafah and Khan Younis.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his security cabinet’s decision to approve the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon was heavily influenced by Washington’s commitment to end its unofficial restrictions on weapons and military equipment – limitations that had impacted military operations and resulted in IDF personnel casualties.
In addition to lifting these unofficial restrictions, Israel Hayom has learned exclusively that the United States will provide Israel with previously restricted weapons components. The agreement encompasses both enhancement modules that substantially improve existing weapons’ capabilities and complete weapons systems that Washington had previously declined to transfer. This development marks a significant upgrade in strike capabilities against targets that had previously proven resistant to Israeli military operations.
Security and diplomatic officials in Jerusalem and Washington confirm that a wide range of critical military supplies will now be made available, including multiple categories of munitions, artillery and tank shells, precision-guided weapons, essential replacement parts, and several dozen Caterpillar D9 armored bulldozers.
These bulldozers play a crucial role in combat operations, especially in clearing operational routes and neutralizing booby-trapped structures. A significant number of these vehicles sustained damage during operations in the Gaza Strip from anti-tank missiles and explosive devices, with Hamas forces specifically targeting them due to their tactical significance. Several were destroyed completely, while others required extensive repairs and replacement components. …SOURCE