Armoured bulldozer Caterpillar D9 IDF of the Israeli Defence Forces: Focus.
The United States of America has imposed a partial embargo on the supply of equipment and ammunition to Israel, which is already having an impact on the course of hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon. In particular, the delivery of a batch of 134 Caterpillar D9 heavy bulldozers ordered by Israel has been delayed. This is due to growing protests related to their use for the demolition of buildings in Gaza. This was reported by TimeUkraineIsrael, according to Israeli Channel 9.
The role of D9 bulldozers on the battlefield
These bulldozers play an important role on the battlefield, as they are the first to clear areas that may be mined, preparing them for infantry and armoured vehicles. However, their active use leads to significant wear and tear, and the need for maintenance is becoming increasingly urgent. As IDF operations have expanded into southern Lebanon, the shortage of bulldozers has already resulted in casualties among the Israeli military.
Military casualties due to lack of equipment
Although the army has not officially made direct accusations of a link between the lack of bulldozers and the increase in deaths, 21 IDF soldiers have been killed in the Jabaliya area in the past month, many of them victims of landmines in buildings that could have been demolished.
Bulldozer shortage and the situation in southern Lebanon
In addition, in southern Lebanon, thousands of dunams of territory covered with dense forest undergrowth, which Hizbullah uses to camouflage its bunkers and ammunition depots, need to be cleared. Due to the shortage of bulldozers, the IDF is forced to use more expensive alternatives, such as artificial explosions using thousands of tonnes of explosives. Air strikes are used only when absolutely necessary, which also affects the tactics of warfare.
Freeze on bombs and new deals for equipment
In addition, the United States froze the delivery of about 1,300 1-tonne bombs to the Israeli Air Force, which were paid for with shekels, not American aid. Claims that they could be used to target civilians were the basis for blocking the shipment. However, some of the frozen bombs were handed over to the IDF several months ago. The rest of the goods are still in US warehouses.
Against this backdrop, the United States has given the green light to increase the supply of JLTV fast wheeled armoured personnel carriers to Israel. The agreement provides for the supply of about 1,000 units, instead of the planned 300. This will replace the outdated M-113 armoured personnel carriers (known as Zelda). The estimated value of the deal is about NIS 4 billion.
This situation demonstrates how global political decisions can affect the army’s tactical capabilities and security on the battlefield.
