Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has justified his decision to publicly address delays in the supply of US weapons, asserting that months of private negotiations had failed to
produce results.
During a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu explained, “After months of no change in this situation, I decided to give it a public expression. I did this based on years of experience, knowing that this step is essential to extracting the cork.”
Last Tuesday, Netanyahu accused the Biden administration of "withholding weapons" in a video posted to X, claiming that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had assured him that the administration was working tirelessly to resolve these delays.
In response, US envoy Amos Hochstein criticized Netanyahu’s comments as “unproductive” and “completely untrue.”
Ongoing Tensions Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
Netanyahu's public criticism of the Biden administration occurs amid heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and potential further clashes with Hezbollah. Despite being Israel's most crucial ally and primary arms supplier, the US has expressed growing concern over the increasing civilian casualties in Gaza.
Netanyahu stated, “About four months ago, there was a dramatic drop in the supply of armaments arriving from the US to Israel. For weeks we asked our American friends to speed up the shipments. We did it time and time again at the highest levels, and at all levels, in private rooms. We got all sorts of explanations, but the basic situation didn’t change.”
He added, “In light of what I have heard in the last day, I hope and believe that this issue will be resolved in the near future.”
Israeli Defense Minister Heads to the US
Amid this dispute, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the importance of US-Israel relations ahead of his visit to Washington, where he is set to meet with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin, Secretary Blinken, and other senior officials.
“The United States is our most important and central ally. Our ties are crucial and perhaps more important than ever, at this time,” Gallant stated, as per the Israeli defense ministry.
Gallant's visit will focus on discussing Israel’s war against Hamas, efforts to secure the return of hostages, and measures needed to achieve regional stability.
Internal Government Challenges
The Israeli defense minister has had disagreements with Netanyahu, who is struggling to maintain cohesion within his government. Gallant, a retired general, previously voiced opposition to any Israeli rule in post-war Gaza, a stance conflicting with far-right cabinet members who oppose an independent Palestinian state.
Gallant mentioned transitioning to a “Phase C” in Gaza, although it is unclear whether this refers to a new stage in the conflict or post-conflict planning. CNN has reached out to Israel’s ministry of defense for further clarification.
“I will discuss this transition with U.S. officials, touching on how it may enable additional things to take place, and I know that we will achieve close cooperation with the U.S. on this issue as well,” Gallant said. Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders / U.S. Secretary of Defense, Wikimedia commons.