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09/21/2004:

"Eyeing Iran Reactors, Israel Seeks U.S. Bunker Bombs"

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The United States plans to sell Israel $319 million worth of air-launched bombs, including 500 ``bunker busters'' that could be effective against Iran's underground nuclear facilities, Israeli security sources said on Tuesday.

The Pentagon said in June it was considering the sale to Israel of 500 BLU-109 warheads, which can penetrate 15 feet of fortifications, in a package meant to ``contribute significantly to U.S. strategic and tactical objectives.'' U.S. and Israeli officials had no immediate comment.

Israeli security sources said the procurement would go through. ``This is not the sort of ordnance needed for the Palestinian front. Bunker busters could serve Israel against Iran, or possibly Syria,'' an Israeli source said.

Haaretz daily, citing Israeli government sources, said the sale would take place after the U.S. elections in November.

Full Article: Reuters