Israel uses SPICE 2000 Bomb in Beirut

October 25, 2024

Israel dropped a SPICE 2000 bomb on a building in Beirut, Lebanon. This incident has drawn attention due to the bomb’s destructive capability and the context of the ongoing conflict in the region. The Israeli military claimed the building housed Hezbollah facilities. Before the strike, Israel warned residents to evacuate the area.

What is a SPICE 2000 Bomb?

The SPICE 2000 is a type of guided bomb, often referred to as a “smart bomb.” These bombs are designed for precision targeting. They incorporate advanced guidance systems that allow them to hit specific targets with minimal collateral damage. The SPICE system is manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a government-owned company in Israel.

How Does the SPICE Guidance System Work?

The SPICE guidance system can be attached to standard unguided bombs. It enables these bombs to navigate towards their targets using GPS and electro-optical guidance systems. This technology allows the bomb to adjust its flight path mid-air, ensuring a higher accuracy rate. The 2,000-pound version of the SPICE bomb can be launched from up to 60 kilometers away from its target.

Characteristics of the SPICE Bomb

The SPICE bombs are known for their high lethality and low collateral damage. They can operate effectively in various conditions, including poor weather and GPS-jammed areas. The bomb is designed to keep the launching aircraft safe during an attack. The specific model used in Beirut is believed to have a delayed-action fuse, which limits the blast’s fragmentation and damage to surrounding areas.

Israel’s Military Strategy

Israel often employs a tactic known as “knock on the roof,” where smaller strikes are conducted on a building before a larger attack. This practice aims to warn civilians to evacuate. In the case of the Beirut strike, two smaller bombs were dropped before the main attack. This strategy has been part of Israel’s military operations in both Lebanon and Gaza.

International Collaboration and Production

In 2019, Rafael partnered with Lockheed Martin, a U.S. defense contractor, to develop and sell SPICE guidance kits in the United States. The production of these kits involves collaboration across multiple states in the U.S. In late October 2023, the U.S. State Department approved the export of additional SPICE bomb assemblies to Israel, indicating ongoing support for Israel’s military capabilities.

Concerns Over Civilian Casualties

The use of SPICE bombs has raised concerns regarding civilian casualties. In previous conflicts, the high number of casualties has drawn international scrutiny. The U.S. had previously paused shipments of similar bombs to Israel due to these concerns. Despite this, Israel is believed to have maintained a stockpile of such weapons.

Production and Sourcing of Components

The SPICE bomb’s guidance kits are produced in Israel, but the exact sourcing of components remains unclear. While some parts are manufactured in the U.S., others may come from various international suppliers. Identifying the origin of specific bomb components would require recovery and analysis of the remnants post-strike.

The Impact of the Recent Strike

The recent bombing in Beirut marks the ongoing tensions in the region. The swift destruction of the building and the warnings issued by Israel reflect the complex dynamics of military strategy and civilian safety. As conflicts continue, the implications of using advanced weaponry like the SPICE bomb remain a critical issue for humanitarian discussions.

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