U.S. to send Israel rounds initially intended for Ukraine - media

Israel will receive from the United States tens of thousands of artillery rounds initially expected to be donated to Ukraine.

That’s according to Axios, referring to its sources in Israel, Ukrinform reports.

"The Pentagon plans to send Israel tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells that had been destined for Ukraine from U.S. emergency stocks several months ago," the report reads.

U.S. officials have suggested that diverting the rounds from Ukraine to Israel would have no immediate impact on Ukraine’s ability to fight against Russian troops.

The Israeli military explains the urgent need for artillery shells with preparation for the land operation in Gaza and the possible escalation of the war by Hezbollah on the border with Lebanon.

The American ammunition in question was stored in the territory of Israel as part of a bilateral agreement.

“Only U.S. military personnel have access to the weapons storage sites. But according to the agreement between the countries, Israel can use the ammunition in a war scenario in short order, with U.S. approval,” Axios has explained.

Israel was granted access to the ammunition during its war with Lebanon in 2006 and also during the 2014 Gaza conflict.