In a recent development, Mark Kelly, chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, has disclosed that Israel employed an American-made guided weapon to eliminate Hezbollah's leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in Beirut. The operation, which occurred five days ago, utilized a 2,000-lb Mark 84 series bomb, likely equipped with Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) technology.
The Mark 84 bomb, a general-purpose munition used by the U.S. military, was converted into a precision-guided weapon using JDAM technology. This system incorporates fins and a GPS guidance system, significantly enhancing accuracy. The use of such advanced weaponry underscores the ongoing military cooperation between the United States and Israel, a relationship that has endured since 1948.
Israel's military confirmed the elimination of Nasrallah in a strike on Hezbollah's central command headquarters in Beirut's southern suburbs, an area known as Dahieh and considered a Hezbollah stronghold. However, Israeli officials have refrained from commenting on the specific weapons used in the operation.
The revelation by Senator Kelly, a former astronaut and U.S. Navy captain, highlights the continued U.S. support for Israel's military operations. The United States has provided Israel with over $146 billion in bilateral assistance and missile defense funding since recognizing the state in 1948, cementing its position as Israel's largest arms supplier.
This recent strike marks a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which dates back to the 1980s. The elimination of Nasrallah, who had led Hezbollah since 1992, could potentially reshape the political landscape in Lebanon and impact regional dynamics.
The use of precision-guided munitions in this operation reflects a broader trend in modern warfare. These weapons, first widely used during the 1991 Gulf War, have become increasingly prevalent in military engagements. The U.S. continues to supply such advanced weaponry to its allies, including Israel, through programs like Foreign Military Sales.
While the strike demonstrates the effectiveness of precision-guided munitions, it also raises questions about the potential consequences for the already complex political situation in Lebanon. The country's political system, based on confessionalism, aims to balance power among various religious communities, and the elimination of a key political figure could have far-reaching implications.
The Israeli-Lebanese border, a longstanding flashpoint, may face increased tensions following this operation. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), deployed along the border since 1978, may face additional challenges in maintaining stability in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely monitoring the repercussions of this precision strike and its impact on the delicate balance of power in the Middle East.
"We see more use of guided munitions, JDAMs, and we continue to provide those weapons. That 2,000-pound bomb that was used, that's a Mark 84 series bomb, to take out Nasrallah."
The Pentagon has not yet commented on the specifics of the weapon used in the operation, leaving room for further discussion and analysis of the U.S. role in providing advanced military technology to its allies in the region.