Netanyahu's Criticism and U.S. Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized the Biden administration for delaying arms shipments to Israel. In a video statement, Netanyahu expressed his dissatisfaction with Washington's withholding of weapons and ammunition, which he claimed has hindered Israel's military operations. He called on the U.S. administration to lift these restrictions to expedite their mission. Netanyahu also mentioned that U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken assured him that efforts were being made to remove these restrictions.
Canceled High-Level Meeting
In response to Netanyahu's remarks, the White House decided to cancel a high-level meeting between U.S. and Israeli officials that was scheduled to discuss the Iranian nuclear program and the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. This decision, according to senior American officials, was a direct protest against Netanyahu's public criticism. The meeting was part of the U.S.-Israel Strategic Working Group (SCG) and was to be attended by top national security advisors and defense officials from both countries.
The White House's decision marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic tensions between the two allies. A senior American official stated that the cancellation serves as a signal to Netanyahu about the Biden administration's displeasure with his remarks. Despite Netanyahu's claims, the U.S. has provided billions of dollars worth of weapons and ammunition to Israel since the beginning of the war in Gaza, with only one shipment being delayed.
Reactions and Statements
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders also criticized Netanyahu's video, urging the Biden administration to withhold all offensive military aid to Israel and to use its influence to end the conflict in Gaza. Sanders called for the facilitation of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the cessation of violence in the West Bank, and steps towards a two-state solution.
Following the video's release, President Biden's top advisors, including Amos Hochstein, conveyed their discontent to Netanyahu, emphasizing that his accusations were unfounded and damaging to the bilateral relationship. Despite the cancellation of the SCG meeting, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant's visit to Washington will proceed as planned, with meetings scheduled with Sullivan, Blinken, and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
- The White House's decision to cancel the high-level meeting underscores the growing rift between the U.S. and Israel, particularly over the handling of the conflict in Gaza and the provision of military aid. This is not the first time such a meeting has been canceled; a similar situation occurred in March when Netanyahu canceled a meeting in protest of the U.S. not vetoing a UN Security Council resolution.
- Despite the tensions, the U.S. has continued to support Israel with significant military aid. The Biden administration has emphasized that apart from one delayed shipment, all other weapons deliveries have been on schedule. The ongoing diplomatic efforts and upcoming meetings between Israeli and American officials indicate a continued dialogue, albeit strained, between the two nations.
