During a press briefing in Washington, DC, Blinken addressed Netanyahu’s claims, stating, “We are continuing to review one shipment that President Biden has talked about with regard to 2,000-pound bombs because of our concerns about their use in a densely populated area like Rafah. That remains under review.”
Blinken’s remarks come in response to Netanyahu’s recent public criticism, where he accused the US of significantly slowing down weapons deliveries to Israel. Netanyahu, speaking at a cabinet meeting, asserted that despite repeated appeals in private to expedite the shipments, there had been a “dramatic drop” in the weapons pipeline over the past four months.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office has not disclosed which specific weapons besides the 2,000-pound bombs were delayed, but Netanyahu’s statements have sparked a diplomatic dispute between the close allies.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also addressed the issue, expressing frustration with Netanyahu’s criticism. “We genuinely do not know what he’s talking about. We just don’t,” Jean-Pierre remarked, emphasizing that the US remains committed to supporting Israel’s defense needs despite concerns over specific types of weaponry.
The delay in the bomb shipment, reportedly intended to bolster Israel’s capabilities during its recent conflict with Hamas, has underscored broader concerns about the strategic implications of US military aid to the region. Israel has faced international scrutiny over its use of heavy munitions in densely populated areas like Rafah, where civilian casualties have been a significant concern.
Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas weighed in, alleging that the Biden administration had also held up deliveries of fighter jets, tactical vehicles, mortars, and tank shells by not informing Congress of planned shipments. The senator’s remarks highlighted growing bipartisan scrutiny in the US over the management and transparency of military aid to Israel.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s scheduled meeting with top US officials in Washington, DC, underscores ongoing efforts to address the diplomatic fallout and ensure continued cooperation on defense issues between the two nations.
Netanyahu, known for his assertive stance on Israeli security interests, has previously navigated contentious issues with US administrations over defense policies.
His latest critique marks a critical juncture in US-Israel relations under President Biden, testing the resilience of their strategic alliance amid regional instability and geopolitical challenges…..Discover More
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