Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today that there is a “dramatic decline” of arms supplies from the US for Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reported, recalling that the administration of US President Joe Biden had already rejected similar claims by the Prime Minister. According to the agency, this highlights the growing tension between the two allies.
Netanyahu stated at a meeting of his cabinet that the decline began four months ago, but did not specify exactly what arms supplies were involved.
The controversy draws attention to rising tensions between Israel and the United States over the war in Gaza, particularly over the damage done to the civilian population there, the AP said. President Biden last month delayed the delivery of certain types of heavy bombs, but the administration last week disputed Netanyahu's accusations that other supplies were also affected.
Israel's prime minister said he was forced to release a video message in English last week after weeks of failed talks with US politicians to speed up supplies. At the same time, he stated that a solution to the matter will be found soon.
Netanyahu's video sparked outrage among Israel's critics and was met with bewilderment in Washington, AP notes. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the US remained “confused” from Netanyahu's claims.
The Israeli prime minister spoke hours after Defense Minister Yoav Galant arrived in Washington for a meeting with senior officials. His team issued a statement that he would discuss “maintaining quantitative advantage in the region,” but made no mention of weapons.
The war in Gaza, which was triggered by the attack of “Hamas” on October 7, has become a test for Israeli-American cooperation, AP notes. The US supports Israel's goal of freeing the hostages taken to Gaza in the “Hamas” and to defeat the radical Palestinian group, but are increasingly concerned about the high number of civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis caused by the war.
Biden is feeling pressure from progressive Democrats to take a tougher stance against Israel. At the same time, the president has come under fire from right-wing politicians who say he has reduced support for an important Middle Eastern ally.
For Netanyahu, rising tensions with the US also pose political risks. His opponents argue that he is willing to cause the collapse of important alliances and tarnish Israel's image around the world for political gain. The rift with the US, however, gives the longtime leader a chance to show his electoral base that he puts Israel's interests first, the Associated Press believes.
Meanwhile, Palestinian health authorities in the “Hamas“ The Gaza Strip said today, cited by Reuters, that at least 37,598 Palestinians have been killed and 86,032 wounded since the start of the Israeli offensive against the enclave on October 7 last year.