WASHINGTON, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government has authorized the transfer of billions of U.S. dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel, despite an increasing rift between the White House and Netanyahu's government over a potential ground operation by the Israeli military in Rafah, according to U.S. media.
The new arms packages include more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, according to Pentagon and State Department officials who spoke to The Washington Post on condition of anonymity, as recent authorizations have not been disclosed publicly.
Israel's extensive use of 2,000-pound bombs, heavy ammunition capable of killing or wounding people more than 100 meters away, in Gaza raids is linked with heavy civilian casualties, CNN reported.
Israel is facing strong international flak over its continued bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza. Regional countries and humanitarian organizations have warned of the disastrous consequences of Israel's planned ground operation in Rafah, where more than 1.4 million Palestinians live, including 1.3 million refugees from the northern regions.
Despite international pressure, Netanyahu's government canceled on Monday a scheduled delegation visit to Washington for talks on a possible alternative to a ground offensive by the Israeli military in Rafah, citing the U.S. abstention at the UN Security Council voting for a resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. ■