An Israeli airstrike in Beirut has drawn attention due to the use of a highly sophisticated weapon. According to independent arms analysts, the bomb was likely a SPICE-guided system, recognized for precision and minimal collateral damage. Captured in vivid detail by an Associated Press photographer, the 2,000-pound bomb targeted a building near suspected Hezbollah assets after preceding warning strikes, often referred to as a "knock on the roof" warning, which is typical in Israeli military operations.
The bomb utilized a delayed action fuse, limiting the blast's impact to the targeted structure. People hundreds of meters away from the impact felt little aftershock, marking the weapon's efficiency. Despite the Israeli military's reluctance to comment on the munition's specifics, evidence suggests this bomb stemmed from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli-government entity. The SPICE system, marketed for accuracy and operational versatility, keeps aircraft safe by allowing launch from 37 miles away.
Rafael's partnership with Lockheed Martin in 2019 enabled partial SPICE production across multiple US states. In recent developments, the US approved a $320 million export of SPICE bomb components to Israel. The precise origin of all bomb components remains uncertain, often involving parts from various countries. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)