In a report released on 24/12/2024, the U.S. Department of Defense's inspector general stated that by November 2024, the agency maintained records for only 44% of defense articles requiring enhanced oversight. This marks a significant decrease from 69% before the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

The U.S. provided USD 13,4 billion in military aid to Israel after Hamas launched a surprise attack in October 2023.

The Pentagon's inspector general determined that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the agency responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency "did not adequately track enhanced end-use monitoring defense articles."

Smoke rises from the Gaza Strip after an Israeli airstrike on 8/10/2023. *AP*

U.S. officials admitted they could not track 4 million munitions from 42 shipments between October 2023 and April 2024. This was because Israel used most of them in operations targeting the Gaza Strip.

According to investigators, the oversight gap stemmed from personnel limitations and the changing situation in Israel. They warned that such deficiencies "increase the risk of sensitive U.S. weapon technology falling into adversary hands."

"Without effective tracking, enhanced end-use monitoring defense articles could be acquired by U.S. adversaries. This would allow them direct access and understanding of sensitive weapon technology, reducing the U.S. advantage and increasing risks for the U.S. and its allies," the report stated.

CENTCOM faced similar challenges during the Iraq war from 2013-2017, when the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) rose and occupied many areas in Iraq and Syria.

The Arms Export Control Act, passed in June 1976, requires U.S. officials to track military equipment sold or leased to foreign countries through end-use monitoring programs.

Nguyen Tien (According to Defense News, AFP, AP)