Netanyahu Reinforces Claim of U.S. Arms Delay, Despite Washington Denials
TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed his Cabinet on Sunday that there had been a significant decrease in U.S. arms deliveries for Israel’s military operations in Gaza, reiterating a claim that the Biden administration has denied and highlighting the growing tensions between the two allies.
Netanyahu stated to his Cabinet that the reduction began four months ago, without specifying the types of weapons, mentioning only that “certain items arrived sporadically, but the munitions in general remained behind.”
This dispute underscores the high level of tensions that have arisen between Israel and Washington over the conflict in Gaza, particularly regarding the Israeli military’s actions in the besieged territory and the harm to civilian life there. President Joe Biden has delayed the delivery of certain heavy bombs since May due to these concerns, but his administration refuted last week Netanyahu’s allegations that other shipments had also been affected.
Netanyahu told the Cabinet that he felt compelled to release a video in English last week after weeks of unsuccessful attempts to persuade American officials to expedite deliveries. He stated that a resolution appeared imminent.
“In light of what I have heard over the past day, I hope and believe that this matter will be resolved soon,” he said, without providing further details.
Netanyahu’s video last week ignited controversy among critics in Israel and was met with denial and confusion from White House officials. White House national security spokesman John Kirby expressed perplexity at Netanyahu’s claims. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “We genuinely do not know what he’s talking about.”
A White House official on Sunday stated that the administration has repeatedly articulated its stance on this matter and declined to respond to Netanyahu’s comments. The official, who requested anonymity to discuss a diplomatic issue, indicated that U.S. officials were looking forward to “constructive consultations” this week in Washington with Israel’s visiting defense minister, Yoav Gallant.
Gallant, a political rival of Netanyahu’s within the ruling Likud party, was traveling to Washington on Sunday. His office mentioned that he would discuss “maintaining Israel’s qualitative edge in the region” but made no reference to the weapons issue.
The war in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, has strained the U.S.-Israel relationship to an unprecedented extent. While the U.S. has steadfastly supported Israel’s objectives of freeing hostages taken into Gaza and defeating Hamas, it has become increasingly concerned about the rising Palestinian death toll and the humanitarian crisis created by the war.
Biden has faced pressure from progressive Democrats to adopt a tougher stance against Israel, and he has intensified his warnings to Netanyahu regarding military tactics in the Gaza Strip. However, after threatening to impose a more comprehensive ban on arms transfers following an assault on Rafah, the administration has avoided any suggestion that Israel’s expanding push into the southern Gaza city has crossed a red line.
During an election year, Biden is also facing criticism from the right who claim that he has moderated his support for a crucial Mideast ally.
For Netanyahu, the widening gap with the U.S. presents both political risks and opportunities. His critics view the public disagreements as the outcome of a leader prepared to jeopardize important alliances and tarnish Israel’s international image for political gain.
However, the rift also grants the long-serving leader an opportunity to demonstrate to his supporters that he is not beholden to the U.S. and that he is prioritizing Israel’s interests.