'Israeli' pilots dropped 'unused bombs' from Iran interception over Gaza: Report

During the 12-day war with Iran, 'Israeli' fighter pilots returning from air defense missions were routinely authorized to drop unused munitions on the Gaza Strip, according to a report by Maariv published on July 2.

Initially introduced as a voluntary move by pilots aiming to "support" ground forces in Khan Yunis and northern Gaza, the practice was quickly formalized into daily policy by Air Force Commander Tomer Bar.

The report states that pilots on missions to intercept Iranian missiles and drones were equipped not only with air-to-air weapons but also with air-to-surface munitions. After completing their Iran-related tasks, pilots contacted Gaza command centers offering to release leftover bombs on pre-approved targets in the enclave.

Air Force leadership swiftly adopted the initiative. Within hours, it became standard procedure across squadrons: before landing, pilots would coordinate with ground forces in Gaza to strike so-called Hamas targets using their remaining payloads.

Military officials reportedly viewed the policy as a strategic advantage. “Instead of launching new sorties, aircraft already in the air completed the bombing runs,” a military source told Maariv. “It saved resources and boosted airpower.”

The outcome, according to the report, was “waves of powerful air strikes” across Gaza—strikes unrelated to the Iranian front. The Israeli army confirmed that dozens of jets took part daily, unloading their surplus bombs over the besieged territory.

While the tactic was promoted as resource-efficient, it effectively turned Gaza into a secondary battlefield in a war in which it had no operational role. The strikes were coordinated with 'Israeli' ground forces already active in Khan Yunis and northern Gaza, escalating the intensity of bombardments in areas already devastated by months of conflict.