Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed his Cabinet of a significant decrease in U.S. weapons deliveries for Israel's war efforts in Gaza, emphasizing the strained relationship between the two allies. Netanyahu stated that the drop occurred four months ago, with certain items arriving sporadically while the bulk of munitions remained delayed.
The escalating tensions between Israel and the U.S. have been exacerbated by disagreements over the Israeli military's actions in Gaza and the impact on civilian life. President Joe Biden's administration has held back heavy bombs since May due to concerns over civilian casualties, prompting Netanyahu to release a video in English last week to address the issue.
Despite Netanyahu's claims, the White House has denied any deliberate reduction in weapons shipments to Israel, expressing confusion and perplexity over the situation. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's recent visit to Washington did not explicitly address the weapons issue but focused on maintaining Israel's military superiority in the region.
The conflict in Gaza, triggered by Hamas' attack on southern Israel, has strained the U.S.-Israel relationship, with Biden facing pressure from both progressive Democrats and critics on the right. While Biden has criticized Israeli military tactics, he has refrained from imposing broader restrictions on arms transfers.
For Netanyahu, the growing divide with the U.S. presents political risks and opportunities. While some view the public disagreements as damaging to Israel's international standing, others see it as a chance for Netanyahu to assert Israel's interests independently of U.S. influence.
