US Middle East Envoy's Remarks on Israel's Need for Bunker-Buster Bombs Spark Debate

Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, caused a stir on Wednesday with his remarks regarding the provision of 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs to Israel. Speaking to Fox News, Witkoff seemed to hedge on the issue, suggesting that Israel "already has bunker busters," despite the long-standing request for more advanced weaponry to target Iran's heavily fortified underground nuclear facility at Fordow.

Israel has been seeking bunker-buster bombs from the US since the 2000s, during the George W. Bush administration, to enhance its ability to strike Iran's underground nuclear sites. These bombs, particularly the 30,000-pound "mother of all bombs" (MOAB), are considered essential for breaching deep underground fortifications. However, past US administrations, including those of Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump, have been reluctant to provide Israel with these massive bombs.

Witkoff's comment likely referred to smaller bombs, such as the 2,000-pound bunker busters, which have been supplied by the Biden administration during parts of the Israel-Hamas conflict. While these smaller bombs can breach limited underground targets, experts argue they would not be effective against Iran’s Fordow facility, which is buried deep inside a mountain.

Many military analysts contend that Israel still lacks the necessary capabilities to completely destroy Iran’s nuclear program, primarily because it does not possess the 30,000-pound bombs that could penetrate such heavily fortified sites. Despite Israel's technological advancements in weaponry, including smaller bunker busters, experts argue that the nation’s military cannot target the depth and complexity of Iran's nuclear infrastructure.

The current situation highlights Israel’s struggle to gain the tools it believes it needs to address the growing nuclear threat from Iran, especially at sites like Fordow, which are buried several dozen meters underground.

Trump’s Position and the US-Israel Relationship

Witkoff’s statements, which did not address Israel’s challenges with hitting Fordow directly, seem to indicate that the US is not willing to provide Israel with the MOAB anytime soon. This uncertainty comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has indicated that he will give diplomacy more time before deciding on military actions against Iran’s nuclear program. Trump has expressed his intentions to provide Israel with support, but has hesitated on advancing the provision of such heavy weaponry.

Moreover, discussions about Israeli annexation of the West Bank have been in flux, with President Trump promising an announcement on that topic within the next few weeks. This uncertainty extends to broader US-Israel relations, as both countries navigate complex geopolitical challenges, including how best to confront Iran’s nuclear ambitions.