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The White House Tuesday, June 18, 2024 responded to claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US is “withholding” weapons and ammunition from Israel. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed a pause on one particular shipment of bombs but insisted no other weapons were being withheld. This echoed comments from Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who had earlier addressed the issue.
Netanyahu’s remarks seemed aimed at pressuring the US to lift the block on this specific arms consignment, which was announced by the White House last month due to concerns over how the weapons were being used in Gaza. In a video released by Netanyahu’s office, he rebuked the US, stating he had told Blinken it was “inconceivable” that weapons and ammunition had been withheld “in the past few months.” Speaking in English, Netanyahu’s comments appeared directed at Blinken and were released just before Blinken’s scheduled news conference in Washington.
At this news conference, Blinken confirmed the hold on a shipment of bombs to Israel, citing concerns over their use in urban areas of Gaza. He however said the issue was under review. Despite repeated questions, Blinken refrained from detailing his conversations with Netanyahu.
Netanyahu has frequently positioned himself as uniquely capable among Israeli politicians of securing concessions from US leaders. The controversy over US arms supplies to Israel has intensified amid the destruction in Gaza, sparking protests and dissent. Netanyahu has steadfastly opposed any reduction in arms supplies.
The US remains Israel’s largest source of weapons, providing $3.8 billion annually in military aid. Recently, Congress passed a bill providing an additional $14 billion in military support.
The Biden administration is also moving forward with a significant arms sale to Israel, including 50 F-15 fighter jets worth more than $18 billion, after overcoming objections from key Democratic lawmakers. Senator Benjamin Cardin and Congressman Gregory Meeks had initially stalled the deal over concerns about Israel’s conduct in its war against Hamas. After months of delay and pressure from the administration, both lawmakers eventually signed off on the transaction.
Senator Cardin’s spokesman confirmed the sale had undergone the “regular review process,” and the state department can now officially notify Congress. If approved, this would be one of the largest arms transactions with Israel since the conflict began in October.
President Joe Biden has faced increasing concerns within his party over Israel’s handling of the war and the continued US military support. Meanwhile, Republicans have criticized the delay in the weapons shipment. Congressman Russell Fry of South Carolina called the holdup “reprehensible,” asserting that “the United States must stand with Israel. Period.”
The Israeli military’s campaign in Gaza began in response to an unprecedented attack on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, over 37,340 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
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