US to probe use of cluster bombs in Israel

WASHINGTON: The United States is investigating whether Israel violated US rules in its use of US-made rockets armed with cluster bombs in Lebanon, the State Department said on Friday.

"We have heard the allegations they were used and we are taking a look at that," said State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos.

He was responding to questions about an article in Friday's New York Times, which said the State Department's Office of Defense Trade Controls opened the probe this week after reports that three types of American cluster bombs were discovered in southern Lebanon and were responsible for civilian deaths.

"Once we have determined that (cluster bombs were used), we will look to see how they were used and who were the targets," added Gallegos.

He said the investigation began after nongovernmental organizations on the ground informed the State Department of the use of cluster bombs on civilians.

"We take it seriously of course and we are looking at the veracity of the claims," he said.    Asked whether the United States was holding back on sending more weapons to Israel while the investigation took place, Gallegos said he had no more information.

He did not know what penalties could be imposed on Israel if they were found to have misused the bombs. Asked when the investigation would be completed, Gallegos said it would be "sooner rather than later."

Unidentified current and former US officials told the New York Times they doubted the investigation would lead to sanctions against Israel, but that the probe might be intended to help the Bush administration blunt criticism from Arab governments over its support of Israeli military operations.

Israel has defended its right to use cluster bombs and says it only deploys them in accordance with international law.

On Tuesday, a UN de-mining official said that Israel dropped cluster bombs on at least 170 villages in southern Lebanon during its 34-day war with Hizbollah guerrillas.

The official accused Israel of deliberately hitting built-up areas with the bombs, in violation of international law, which states those munitions must not be used in areas where there are civilians.

Israel denies using the weapons illegally and accuses Hizbollah of firing rockets into Israel from civilian areas.