**TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) –** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed his Cabinet on Sunday of a significant decline in US weapons shipments critical for Israel's military operations in Gaza.
Netanyahu reiterated a disputed claim, which the Joe Biden administration has consistently denied, further highlighting the rising tensions between the two longstanding allies. According to Netanyahu, the reduction in US weapons deliveries to Israel began approximately four months ago, although he did not specify which types of weapons were affected.
He acknowledged that while some supplies arrived sporadically, the majority of the munitions were not delivered, creating a considerable shortfall in Israel's military capabilities. This situation has exacerbated tensions between Israel and the US, particularly concerning the conflict in Gaza and its impact on civilian populations.
President Joe Biden has withheld the delivery of certain advanced munitions since May, citing concerns over civilian casualties. Nonetheless, the Biden administration recently refuted Netanyahu's claims of additional weapons shipment suspensions, underscoring the growing diplomatic rift between the nations.
Netanyahu mentioned that he felt compelled to release an English-language video last week after weeks of failed diplomatic efforts to expedite weapons deliveries from the US. He indicated that a resolution seemed imminent but suggested a sense of urgency and frustration with the delayed shipments.
"In light of what I have heard over the past day, I hope and believe that this matter will be solved soon," Netanyahu stated.
Netanyahu's video sparked outrage and disbelief in Israel, while White House officials responded with confusion and denial. National security spokesman John Kirby expressed bewilderment, stating that the US was "perplexed" by Netanyahu's assertions. Meanwhile, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed the claims, suggesting that Netanyahu's allegations were unfounded and lacked context.
The Gaza conflict, triggered by Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, has strained the US-Israel alliance to unprecedented levels. Although the US has consistently supported Israel's objectives of rescuing captives held in Gaza and defeating Hamas, it has grown increasingly concerned about the rising Palestinian casualties and the severe humanitarian consequences of the war, leading to a complex and nuanced diplomatic landscape.
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