Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this weekend repeated his claim that the United States is providing Israel with less and less military aid.
Netanyahu, in comments to his cabinet this weekend, cited a “dramatic decline” over the past four months and said he had made unsuccessful private pleas to U.S. officials for weeks, leading to the release of a video last week in which he called out the erosion of U.S. support.
“I am deeply grateful to President Biden and the US government for their support to Israel. Since the start of the war, the US has supported us morally, materially, defensive and offensive means,” Netanyahu said.
“But four months ago, there was a dramatic drop in military equipment arriving in Israel from the United States. For weeks we turned to our American friends, asking them to speed up shipments. We did this many times – at the highest levels, at every level, but I want to emphasize, we did it behind closed doors. We received every explanation, but one thing we did not receive: the basic situation has not changed. Certain items have arrived sporadically, but the vast majority of military equipment has remained behind,” he said.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his claim that the United States is sending less and less military aid to Israel. (Government Press Office)
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response. The Biden administration has previously denied that aid was reduced after Netanyahu raised the issue publicly. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the US was “troubled” by Netanyahu’s claims. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said: “We generally don’t know what he’s talking about.”
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Netanyahu’s video referenced a conversation he had with Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a visit to Israel last week, in which he expressed “deep gratitude” for the U.S. support but also offered sharp criticism.
“I also said it was inconceivable that over the past few months the administration had withheld the supply of arms and ammunition to Israel,” Netanyahu said.
President Biden speaks at the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund’s Gun Sense University at the Washington Hilton, Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
His comments came hours after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant arrived in Washington for talks with senior officials. A statement from Gallant’s office said he would discuss “maintaining Israel’s qualitative advantage in the region,” but did not mention arms issues.
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White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the United States was “alarmed” by Netanyahu’s allegations. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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The spat is just the latest sign of a widening rift between Netanyahu’s government and the Biden administration, with the White House stepping up its criticism of his leadership in recent months as the death toll in Gaza rises.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
