Posted by
The Goatmaster on Sunday, July 23, 2006 8:58:29 AM
The news that the U.S. will supply Israel with additional precision guided weapons is welcome indeed. This fact sheet describes the JDAM, a system that turns an unguided “dumb bomb” into one of the most accurately targeted weapons in existence.
However, these weapons are not a panacea for the IDF. Precision munitions require targeting data, and given the extent to which Hezbollah is dug in and the IDF are taking casualties during even minor raids, it will be a tough slog for the IDF unless they do something unconventional.
This is where the IDF could use a amphibious capability. If they were to insert a significant number of forces from the sea near Tyre, the IDF could surround Hezbollah forces and start “closing the circle” to eliminate Hezbollah’s military capability in Southern Lebanon.
However, the option is not open to Israel without significant U.S. help. Israel’s navy consists of submarines and patrol boats. They have no amphibious assault capability. Given the current political environment, it is unlikely that U.S. Navy forces in the region would be allowed to deploy IDF troops into Lebanon.
With a series of bad options on the table, look for the IDF to try to mount a large scale, but temporary, invasion of southern Lebanon in the next week. The lesson for U.S. policy makers is that increased and diverse military capability provides a nation more options in a crisis, thereby decreasing the need for larger military actions.