Netanyahu Defends Video Criticizing US Over 'Dramatic Drop' in Arms Shipments

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the United States is withholding weapons deliveries to Israel, pointing to a 'dramatic decrease' in munitions shipments that began four months ago. Netanyahu stated that his repeated requests for expedited shipments had not been addressed, prompting him to make the issue public. The Biden administration, however, has refuted these claims, stating that the hold-up concerns only one type of heavy bomb, specifically 500 lb. and 2,000 lb. bombs, due to concerns about their potential use in urban areas such as Rafah.

In response to these allegations, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is currently meeting with senior US officials to discuss the matter, as well as broader regional security issues involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Netanyahu also announced the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Yiftah Ron-Tal and Vice Adm. Eliezer Marom to oversee the return of displaced residents to their homes and the rebuilding of affected communities. This development occurs amid ongoing military operations in Gaza and heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas.