The Pentagon has signed a massive $210 million deal to purchase cluster shells from an Israeli state-owned arms company, Tomer. This marks the largest known contract of its kind between the US and Israel, with the deal set to be fulfilled over three years. The munitions are designed to replace decades-old cluster shells that have been widely criticized for their indiscriminate killing of civilians.
Cluster bombs, also known as cluster munitions, are designed to release small explosive devices called bomblets that can continue to detonate even after they have landed. This creates a hazardous environment for civilians who may be unaware of the danger posed by the unexploded devices, leading to long-term risks and humanitarian costs.
The deal is atypical because it was signed without public competition, with the US paying Tomer over three years to produce the new munitions. The company's previous attempt to produce a cluster bomb, known as the M999, was canceled after backlash from investors in countries that had signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Advocates argue that cluster weapons are inherently indiscriminate and cannot be used responsibly due to their unpredictable nature. Researchers say that even if the new munition meets its claimed 1% failure rate target, it would still pose a significant humanitarian risk.
This deal highlights the ongoing issue of US support for Israel's military operations, which have been criticized for their impact on civilians. The sale of cluster munitions is particularly egregious given the harm they cause to innocent civilians, and calls for an end to their use are growing louder.
The Pentagon has defended its decision, saying that the new munition meets all performance requirements, including compliance with the DoD Cluster Munition Policy. However, critics argue that the policy itself is inadequate and that more needs to be done to prevent the use of cluster munitions in conflict zones.
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, concerns about the role of cluster munitions are growing. The Convention on Cluster Munitions has been ratified by 112 countries, but major military powers such as the US, China, and Israel have not signed or adhered to it.
Cluster bombs, also known as cluster munitions, are designed to release small explosive devices called bomblets that can continue to detonate even after they have landed. This creates a hazardous environment for civilians who may be unaware of the danger posed by the unexploded devices, leading to long-term risks and humanitarian costs.
The deal is atypical because it was signed without public competition, with the US paying Tomer over three years to produce the new munitions. The company's previous attempt to produce a cluster bomb, known as the M999, was canceled after backlash from investors in countries that had signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Advocates argue that cluster weapons are inherently indiscriminate and cannot be used responsibly due to their unpredictable nature. Researchers say that even if the new munition meets its claimed 1% failure rate target, it would still pose a significant humanitarian risk.
This deal highlights the ongoing issue of US support for Israel's military operations, which have been criticized for their impact on civilians. The sale of cluster munitions is particularly egregious given the harm they cause to innocent civilians, and calls for an end to their use are growing louder.
The Pentagon has defended its decision, saying that the new munition meets all performance requirements, including compliance with the DoD Cluster Munition Policy. However, critics argue that the policy itself is inadequate and that more needs to be done to prevent the use of cluster munitions in conflict zones.
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, concerns about the role of cluster munitions are growing. The Convention on Cluster Munitions has been ratified by 112 countries, but major military powers such as the US, China, and Israel have not signed or adhered to it.
I just can't help but feel like our world is still a long way from being safe for civilians 
. This $210 million deal with Tomer's cluster shells is a big red flag for me... I mean, who needs that kind of destruction in the middle of an already chaotic conflict? 
The fact that it was signed without public competition and will take three years to fulfill just doesn't sit right with me 
. Those bomblets can cause so much harm long after they've landed, and it's heartbreaking thinking about all those innocent people who might get caught in the crossfire 
. I think we need to rethink our approach to warfare and find better ways to protect civilians 
The fact that the Pentagon is just going ahead with it without even having an open bidding process is pretty shady too. 
The US, China, and Israel aren't exactly known for their humanitarian concerns... 
. I mean, I get that they need new munitions to replace the old ones, but come on, can't they just use something else? These cluster shells are basically begging to maim civilians and make a mess of the environment 
. And don't even get me started on the whole "1% failure rate" thing – that's still way too high if you ask me 
. The Pentagon's gonna say it meets all requirements, but let's be real, they're just covering their own behinds 
. This deal reeks of a lack of transparency and accountability, IMHO 
. Like, what's wrong with the Pentagon?! They're just gonna keep fueling this cluster bomb drama 
. It's all about profits over people, you know? And the fact that they signed this without even a bidding war is just mind-blowing 
. I mean, we all know how cluster munitions are gonna end up affecting civilians 
. The DoD's policy might say they're doing it right 
, but I'm calling BS 
.
. I mean, if the policy is inadequate, what else can we expect? The fact that other major powers like China aren't signed up to the Convention on Cluster Munitions either is a red flag 
. And let's be real, this deal was done without public competition, which just feels shady 
. And it's weird that this deal was signed without competition or public scrutiny - like, what if Tomer is just trying to make a quick buck and doesn't actually care about the humanitarian impact? 
. I'm all for our military having some cool tech, but we gotta think about the people who aren't even in the fight - they deserve better than being caught in the crossfire 
Like, what's the point of cluster munitions if we can't even guarantee they'll work? It's all so frustrating 
.
. And good luck with meeting that 1% failure rate target 
. Seriously though, can't the US just join the rest of the world in banning these terrible weapons already? 
. Plus, it's not like Israel's just gonna use these cluster shells willy-nilly - they're already military-grade equipment.
. We should be focusing on how to make these cluster munitions safer, not just condemning the sale outright 
.