At Sunday’s weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated claims that the US is withholding weapons deliveries. Netanyahu stated, “There was a dramatic decrease in the munitions coming to Israel from the US,” noting that this reduction began about four months ago.
He elaborated, “For long weeks, we turned to our American friends and requested that the shipments be expedited. We did this time and again. We did so at the highest levels, and at all levels, and I want to emphasize – we did so behind closed doors. We received all sorts of explanations, but one thing we did not receive; the basic situation did not change. Certain items arrived sporadically but the munitions at large remained behind.”
Netanyahu did not specify which weapons were delayed. In May, the Biden administration confirmed the delay of a shipment of 500 lb. and 2,000 lb. bombs due to concerns they might be used in Rafah. Washington asserts that all other weapons are being delivered as planned.
These comments came after Defense Minister Yoav Gallant left for Washington on Saturday night for discussions with senior US officials about the situations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iranian threats. Netanyahu is also scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on July 24.
During the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu announced the appointments of Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Yiftah Ron-Tal and Vice Adm. (Res.) Eliezer Marom to oversee the return of evacuated civilians to their communities in the south and along the Lebanese border, respectively.
In October, around 60,000 Israelis living in northern communities were evacuated due to daily rocket and drone attacks by the Hezbollah terror organization. Leaders of the Iran-backed group have vowed to continue these attacks to prevent Israelis from returning. Since October 7, Hezbollah’s attacks have resulted in the deaths of 10 civilians and 14 soldiers. Some residents of Gaza border areas have already started returning to their homes.
On October 7, Hamas attacked Israeli communities near the Gaza border, killing at least 1,200 people and taking 252 Israelis and foreigners hostage. Of the 116 hostages still held, more than 30 are believed to be dead.