Ammunition stored in Israel is being transferred to Ukraine for use in the war with Russia by the US military.

Israeli and American officials have confirmed about 150,000 155-millimeter shells destined for Ukraine have already been shipped to Europe and in the coming weeks will be delivered through Poland.

The Pentagon uses a stockpile of arms in Israel for conflicts in the Middle East, with the United States allowing Israel to access the supplies during emergencies.

According to experts - the Ukraine conflict is now artillery-driven, with both countries launching thousands of artillery shells every day. Ukraine has run low on munitions and has mainly shifted to firing shells and rounds donated by the US and other Western allies.

Mark F. Cancian in a new study for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said: “With the front line now mostly stationary, artillery has become the most important combat arm”.

Whilst Israeli leaders have condemned the invasion, supported Ukraine in the United Nations, sent humanitarian aid and taken in refugees, Israel has thus far been hesitant to send military aid, fearing it could jeopardise its national security interests in Syria.

In December, however, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he would re-examine Israel’s policy on Russia.

Richard Hecht, of the Israel Defense Forces told CNN that the Americans notified the Israelis they were transferring the US-owned munitions a while ago. He said the movements were “American business” and the US did not need Israeli permission to transfer the munitions.