Explosive Dual Support: US Weapons Stockpiles Navigate Ukraine and Israel's Wars
The Pentagon is raising concerns about the strain on ammunition supplies as it considers supporting both Ukraine and Israel in their respective conflicts
Multiple US defense officials are expressing growing concern within the Pentagon regarding the necessity of allocating limited ammunition reserves to assist both Ukraine and Israel in independent conflicts. Currently, Ukraine is in need of a significant quantity of artillery ammunition, while Israel has requested precision guided aerial munitions and Iron Dome interceptors.
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Israel's potential ground incursion into Gaza would create an unforeseen demand for 155mm artillery ammunition and other weapons. This demand comes at a time when the US, its allies, and partners are already strained from over 18 months of fighting in Ukraine.
Although Israel has a capable industrial base and produces advanced weapons, a prolonged ground campaign could deplete the country's stockpiles. Officials have stated that the Pentagon's Joint Staff and Transportation Command have been working non-stop ever since Hamas initiated the war on Israel last weekend. Their objective is to locate additional munitions stores worldwide and devise efficient means of transporting them to Israel.
Rockets fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza City are intercepted by the Israeli Iron Dome defense missile system in the early hours of October 8.
Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images
Initial US intelligence suggests Iran was surprised by the Hamas attack on Israel
The Pentagon is reaching out to US arms manufacturers to expedite military equipment orders for Israel that were previously considered less urgent. Despite ongoing efforts to expand its own defense industrial base for Ukraine and stockpiles, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirmed the US's capability to support Ukraine and Israel. Additionally, the US has announced an additional $200 million in security assistance for Kyiv, which includes artillery ammunition.
Israel front and center at Ukraine meeting
Austin affirmed at a press conference in Brussels on Tuesday that the US is committed to providing military support to both Israel and Ukraine. He stated, "We will actively work towards assisting our allies and partners, while simultaneously prioritizing the protection of our national interests and defending our country."
The potential for a land invasion and the potential impact on the US industrial base arise as Austin and General CQ Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, attend a meeting of the contact group in Belgium. This organization consists of approximately 50 countries, including Israel, and has gathered to provide assistance to Ukraine. Officials said that the intense fighting in Gaza will give prominence to Israel during the meeting, with one official describing it as the "most significant contact group to date."
In 2014, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urgently asked for ammunition for tanks and other equipment during Israel's recent ground incursion into Gaza. Former President Barack Obama promptly approved the request, and the necessary equipment was obtained from US reserve stockpiles located in Israel.
However, the current state of this stockpile is not as strong as it used to be. Earlier this year, the US transferred hundreds of thousands of munitions from its reserves in Israel as part of their efforts to supply ammunition to Ukraine. This action has raised concerns among Defense Department officials and has highlighted the challenges that the US is facing as it juggles two wars overseas, as shared by a source familiar with the discussions.
Ukraine is utilizing a significant number of artillery shells in its efforts to reclaim territory occupied by Russia, surpassing the amount Israel would typically employ during a ground incursion into Gaza. However, the need to supply Ukraine has depleted the stockpiles of the United States and other Western nations. Prime Minister Netanyahu has pledged to conduct a "prolonged" campaign against Gaza, potentially placing further strain on the already burdened US stockpiles.
Furthermore, defense officials are concerned about the dysfunction within Congress and uncertainties regarding lawmakers' approval of additional funding for US assistance to both Israel and Ukraine.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth emphasized the significance of securing additional funding from Congress to enhance our capacity in terms of munitions production and support for both Israel and Ukraine. On the other hand, a senior defense official confirmed on Monday that the US is rapidly providing support to Israel, which includes air defense systems and munitions. Furthermore, efforts are being made in collaboration with the US defense industry to expedite the delivery of pending Israeli orders for military equipment.
The administration assures that it currently possesses the necessary resources, authorities, and funding to uphold its support for Israel. However, officials emphasize the importance of Congress ensuring the availability of additional funds to address unforeseen crises and contingencies. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby remarked on Wednesday that there is a growing urgency to maintain sufficient support for both Ukraine and Israel within the current funding allocation.
"We will all feel more at ease in terms of supporting Israel and Ukraine if a speaker of the house is appointed as soon as possible," Kirby informed reporters. "Thanks to current appropriations and authorities, we have managed thus far. However, this situation cannot be sustained indefinitely. In the short term, we can still provide support for Israel and Ukraine with our current authorities and appropriations. Nevertheless, it is important to note that we are rapidly reaching our limit." Reported by Priscilla Alvarez from CNN.
