Ukrainian artillerymen fire a 2S7 Pion cannon toward Russian fortifications inside the city of Kreminna, Ukraine on Dec. 31, 2022. The Pentagon is tapping into a vast but little-known stockpile of American ammunition in Israel. (Nicole Tung / The New York Times)
Axios: U.S. sends Israel-stored weapons to Ukraine
The U.S. has in recent months transferred hundreds of thousands of artillery shells from its ammunition stockpiles in Israel to Ukraine, three current and former Israeli officials told Axios.
Why it matters: The ammunition that was transferred to Ukraine was part of a U.S. weapons stockpile that is pre-positioned in warehouses on Israeli soil as part of an agreement between the countries.
* The warehouses are locked and only U.S. military personnel has access to them.
But according to the agreement between the countries, Israel can use this ammunition in a war scenario in short order under U.S. approval.
Of note: Israel was granted access to the ammunition during the war with Lebanon in 2006 and also during the 2014 Gaza conflict.
The big picture: The move was part of a wider effort by the Pentagon to resupply the Ukrainian army, which needs tens of thousands of artillery shells every month for its war against Russia in which artillery fire is a key component.
Read more ....
U.S. Is Transferring Munitions From Its Military Stockpiles In Israel To Ukraine
Pentagon Sends U.S. Arms Stored in Israel to Ukraine -- Seattle Times/New York Times
US transfers military weapons stockpile from Israel to Ukraine -- FOX News
US has moved munitions stored in Israel for use by Ukraine -- CNN
US quietly shipping ammo to Ukraine from massive stockpile in Israel — report -- Times of Israel
US will reimburse Israel for weapons transferred to Ukraine -- Jerusalem Post