Israel prepares secret 'wish list' of weapons for US to confront Iran, Hezbollah: Report

Israeli government is said to have prepared a secret "wish list" of weapons it desires US to store in its Israeli-based War Reserves Stock Allies (WRSA-I) - stockpiles of American weapons stored for country's use in event of a war. "wish list" included a variety of "aerial munitions" that Tel Aviv feels will be needed in event of a confrontation against Iran or Hezbollah in Lebanon, Sputnik reported citing military news outlet Breaking Defense. According to a report released by US Congressional Research Service (CRS) in 2020, WRSA-I is basically a weapons stockpile for US military but it can also be tapped by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in event of an "emergency." 

"All such equipment is officially owned by US military. However, if a conflict arises, IDF can use some of equipment after taking permission," report stated. At least once, US has authorized Israel to access reserves. It happened during 2014 Gaza War between Israeli Defense Forces and Hamas. Israeli forces used 120mm mortar shells and 40mm grene launcher rounds that were on ir way to be decommissioned as y were too old. 

Israel intends to procure bunker-buster bombs from US 

According to report, stored weapons at WRSA-I received a massive boost in 2014, with a total worth exceeding $1.8 billion. Apart from ammunition, stock also contains smart bombs, missiles, and armoured military vehicles. Israel has frequently stated that it will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and that, if necessary, it will take action against Iran's nuclear sites. As per media reports, Israel has also requested from US procurement of 2.3-tonne GBU-72 bunker-buster bombs, ostensibly to attack Iranian nuclear sites located deep below. 

Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful

Meanwhile, Iran has often claimed that its nuclear programme is peaceful. It also slammed international community's "double standards," citing its fixation on Iran's nuclear programme and a lack of scrutiny to countless reports that Tel Aviv developed nuclear weapons deces ago. However, Israel neir denies nor confirms its nuclear status, and it remains silent on rumours of nuclear weapons stockpiles, Sputnik reported.

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