Netanyahu justifies disclosing grievances over American weapons shipments.
At the start of a weekly gathering, Netanyahu expressed his thoughts stating, "Following several months of stagnation, I felt compelled to express this publicly. I made this decision based on my long-term experience, understanding that this step is vital for resolving the issue."
On a recording released Tuesday, Netanyahu alleged that the Biden administration was intentionally withholding weaponry, claiming that Secretary of State Antony Blinken "promised me that the administration is tirelessly working to eliminate these obstacles."
In response, the US special envoy Amos Hochstein told Netanyahu that his remarks were "counterproductive" and "of particular importance, they are entirely unfounded."
This isn't the first time Netanyahu has publicly criticized the Biden administration during the Israel-Hamas conflict, but the argument arises at a critical time when the risks of future clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Gaza remain high.
The US remains Israel's primary ally and the principal supplier of weapons, yet voices growing unease over the rising civilian casualties in Gaza.
During the meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu stated: "Approximately four months ago, there was a significant reduction in the incoming arms supplies from the US to Israel. We repeatedly asked our American partners to expedite the deliveries. We did so many times, even speaking at the highest levels."
"We spoke behind closed doors and received various explanations, but one thing we didn't receive was a resolution to the situation," Netanyahu continued.
Netanyahu concluded by expressing hope that "with what I've learned in the last day, I expect and believe that this matter will be resolved soon."
The Israeli defense minister sets off for the US
Amidst the disagreement, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed the importance of Israel's relationship with Washington before his scheduled meeting with US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and other senior US officials.
"The United States is our most important and essential ally. Our ties are invaluable and maybe more important than ever at this moment," Gallant told reporters, as reported by the Israeli defense ministry.
Gallant's agenda includes discussions about Israel's fight against Hamas, efforts to recover captives, and actions necessary for regional stability, according to the statement.
The Israeli defense minister has had disagreements with Netanyahu, who is currently struggling to maintain his government.
Earlier this year, Gallant, a retired general, publicly suggested that there should be no Israeli control over post-war Gaza, while far-right members of the cabinet are against any future independent Palestinian state.
In his statement, Gallant referred to the transition to "Phase C" in Gaza, although it's unclear whether he meant a different phase in the fighting or preparations for post-conflict. Gallant added, "I will discuss this transition with U.S. officials, focusing on how it may open up new possibilities, and I am confident that we will achieve close cooperation with the US on this issue as well."
Read also:
Netanyahu's criticisms towards the Biden administration regarding weaponry deliveries have also extended to the Middle East, as he mentioned the potential risks of future clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Gaza.
In an effort to maintain a strong alliance, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the importance of Israel's relationship with the United States before his meeting with US officials, acknowledging the US as their "most important and essential ally."
