The ongoing tension between the United States and Israel over arms shipments has taken a new turn. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized the American administration, stating that the delay in arms shipments to Israel is unacceptable. This criticism comes as the Biden administration prepares to release 1,700 bombs weighing 250 kg, which were previously frozen due to concerns about an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operation in Rafah.
The release of these bombs is seen as a move to reduce tensions between the US and Israel and to repair the damage to President Joe Biden's image among the pro-Israel community in the USA. Senior Israeli officials estimate that the bombs will be delivered in the coming weeks, following the end of the IDF operation in Rafah and the transition to the third phase of the conflict. These bombs are deemed crucial for the IDF, especially if the conflict with Hezbollah on the northern border escalates.
However, senior American and Israeli officials have noted that the Biden administration is still holding up another part of the shipment, which includes 1,800 tons of bombs. This delay has been a point of contention between the two nations. Earlier this year, President Biden decided to suspend an arms shipment to Israel, which included 1,800 bombs weighing a ton and 1,700 bombs weighing 250 kg, due to concerns about the IDF's operations in Rafah.
In recent talks held in Washington, the US and Israel managed to resolve some of the issues that had slowed the pace of arms shipments. A meeting between Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and White House officials resulted in an agreement to separate the 250 kg bombs from the rest of the shipment, which includes the one-ton bombs. This separation is expected to expedite the delivery of the 250 kg bombs.
US officials have emphasized that the delay in the shipment of one-ton bombs was due to concerns about their use in Gaza, which the administration deemed inappropriate. They clarified that there was no freeze on the 250 kg bombs and that the delay was due to bureaucratic complications. Despite Netanyahu's public claims, US officials have described his comments as misunderstandings and politically motivated.
The meetings between US officials and Defense Minister Gallant involved detailed discussions about the status of ammunition shipments. US officials brought in experts from various government departments to ensure a thorough review of each shipment. They acknowledged that the delivery process is complex and bureaucratic, causing some delays. However, they reiterated that other weapons shipments to Israel have continued, and the focus remains on resolving the pause in the delivery of the heavy bombs.
- The Biden administration's decision to delay the shipment of one-ton bombs has been a significant point of contention between the US and Israel. This decision was made in response to concerns about the IDF's operations in Rafah and the potential use of these heavy bombs in Gaza.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu's public criticism of the Biden administration has added to the tension. In a video posted on social media, Netanyahu accused the US of withholding weapons, which he claimed were essential for Israel's security. These comments have been dismissed by US officials as politically motivated and incorrect.
- Despite the public disagreements, recent talks in Washington have led to some progress. The decision to separate the 250 kg bombs from the rest of the shipment is expected to expedite their delivery. US officials have emphasized that the delay was due to bureaucratic complexities rather than a deliberate freeze on the shipment.
- The relationship between the US and Israel remains one of the most complex and multifaceted security partnerships. Both nations continue to work towards resolving the current issues and ensuring the timely delivery of essential arms shipments to Israel.
