Fact Check: Israel should receive access to B-2 bombers and bunker-busters from the US.

Fact Check: "Israel should receive access to B-2 bombers and bunker-busters from the US."

What We Know

Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed interest in Israel gaining access to advanced U.S. military equipment, specifically B-2 stealth bombers and bunker-busting bombs. During a visit to Washington, he stated, "Would I like to see Israel have the capacities that the United States has? Of course we’d like it" (Fox News). This sentiment aligns with ongoing discussions in the U.S. Congress, where bipartisan efforts are underway to authorize the provision of these weapons to Israel should Iran continue its nuclear ambitions (Yahoo, Israel Hayom).

The proposed legislation, known as the Bunker Buster Act, aims to equip Israel with the necessary tools to counter potential threats from Iran, particularly regarding its nuclear program (Times of Israel). The act would give President Donald Trump the authority to send these advanced military assets to Israel, which has been described as a key ally in the region (American Military News).

Analysis

The claim that Israel should receive access to B-2 bombers and bunker-busters is partially true. While there is a clear expression of interest from Netanyahu and a legislative push in Congress, the actual transfer of such military equipment has not yet occurred. Currently, the U.S. does not loan out its B-2 bombers to allies, which complicates the situation (Fox News).

The bipartisan initiative, spearheaded by Representatives Mike Lawler and Josh Gottheimer, reflects a significant political movement towards enhancing Israel's military capabilities. Lawler emphasized the urgency of equipping Israel to deter threats from Iran, which he labeled as a leading state sponsor of terror (Israel Hayom). However, the bill is still in the proposal stage, and its passage is uncertain, indicating that while there is a desire and some political momentum, no concrete action has been taken yet.

The reliability of the sources cited is generally high, as they come from established news organizations that cover political and military affairs. However, the framing of the issue can vary, with some outlets emphasizing the urgency of the threat from Iran more than others, which may introduce a degree of bias in how the information is presented.

Conclusion

The claim that "Israel should receive access to B-2 bombers and bunker-busters from the US" is Partially True. While there is a clear interest from Israeli leadership and a legislative proposal in the U.S. Congress to facilitate such access, the actual transfer of these military assets has not yet occurred, and the U.S. currently does not provide B-2 bombers to its allies. Thus, while the desire and political efforts are present, the claim lacks full substantiation at this time.