Israel Needs Offensive Weapons

A number of people and organizations have proposed banning the sale of offensive weapons to Israel. However, such a unilateral ban would leave Israeli families vulnerable to the ongoing bombardment of missiles and drones launched by Iran’s proxy militias, Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. No agency can enforce a reciprocal ban on the delivery by Iran of offensive weapons to these proxy militias.

Defensive weapons for Israel are necessary but not sufficient because they are less than 100% successful in destroying all incoming projectiles. Some interceptors miss their targets. Not all projectiles are detected in time for all people to reach bomb shelters before they strike. Offensive weapons will enable Israel to strike back against the fighters and facilities of the proxy militias to prevent them from continuing their attacks against Israeli civilians.

Prior to striking back at a militia target in both Gaza and Lebanon, Israel warns civilians in the target area to evacuate their homes. But Hamas and Hezbollah deliberately endanger the lives of local civilians by refusing to wear identifiable uniforms to distinguish their fighters from civilians, and by refusing to remove themselves and all of their operations, equipment, and facilities from civilian communities.