Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Tuesday that the United States is delaying weapons deliveries, impacting Israel’s military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This area has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict, worsening the humanitarian crisis for Palestinians.
Netanyahu directly criticized President Joe Biden for withholding certain heavy bombs since May due to concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. Despite these delays, the Biden administration has carefully avoided suggesting that Israeli forces have crossed a threshold that would prompt a broader ban on arms transfers.
“It’s inconceivable that in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel,” Netanyahu asserted in a video statement. “Give us the tools and we’ll finish the job a lot faster.”
Netanyahu further claimed that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured him during a recent visit to Israel that efforts were ongoing to resolve the delays.
However, Blinken clarified on Tuesday that the pause pertains only to the heavy bombs discussed in May. “We, as you know, are continuing to review one shipment that President Biden has talked about with regard to 2,000-pound bombs because of our concerns about their use in a densely populated area like Rafah,” Blinken said during a State Department news conference. “That remains under review. But everything else is moving as it normally would.”
The Israeli military did not provide specifics on the withheld weapons, and Netanyahu’s foreign policy adviser, Ophir Falk, directed questions to the U.S. government.
Responding to Netanyahu’s accusations, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre remarked, “We generally do not know what he’s talking about. We just don’t.” She emphasized that the U.S. is engaged in “constructive discussions” with Israel regarding the shipment of heavy bombs and that this is the only transfer currently delayed.
Amid these tensions, top Democrats in Congress recently approved a $15 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel, which had been delayed pending inquiries into Israel’s use of U.S. weapons in Gaza.
As Israel’s conflict with Hamas enters its ninth month, there is growing international criticism of U.S. support for Israel’s extensive military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties. The United Nations’ top court has warned of a “plausible risk of genocide” in Gaza, a claim Israel strongly denies, attributing civilian deaths to Hamas militants operating within civilian areas.
Netanyahu’s address, delivered in English, appears aimed at reinforcing U.S. arms support and does not necessarily indicate a shortage of weapons on the ground. “I’m not worried,” said Itamar Yaar, a former deputy head of Israel’s National Security Council. He believes Netanyahu’s message is intended to make it harder for the Biden administration to delay future arms supplies.
Aviv Bushinsky, a former adviser to Netanyahu, suggested that the prime minister’s office is setting the stage for Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s upcoming U.S. meetings, while allowing Netanyahu to take credit for any progress on the bomb shipment. The video also preludes Netanyahu’s forthcoming speech to Congress.
“It’s a very belligerent style of diplomacy, but he’s in a win-win situation,” Bushinsky observed. “He has nothing to lose at the moment — this serves him in all dimensions, internally, publicly.”
On Monday, Netanyahu disbanded his war Cabinet, consolidating his control over the conflict and reducing the likelihood of an imminent ceasefire. Critics argue that Netanyahu is prolonging the war to avoid scrutiny over the government’s actions on October 7 and to stave off new elections amid low popularity. Netanyahu, however, insists his goal is the complete dismantling of Hamas’ military and governance structures, regardless of how long it takes.
Ceasefire negotiations have repeatedly faltered, with both Israel and Hamas hesitating to fully endorse a U.S.-backed plan aimed at ending hostilities, returning hostages, and starting the reconstruction of Gaza.
The war has resulted in over 37,100 deaths in Gaza, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. The conflict has severely restricted the flow of essential supplies to Palestinians, leading to widespread hunger and suffering.
The war began following a brutal October 7 attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel, which left around 1,200 people dead and saw about 250 individuals abducted.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
