Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the United States of withholding weapons, suggesting that this has hindered Israel's offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The delay in delivering heavy bombs since May by President Joe Biden is reportedly due to concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. Netanyahu criticized the administration for causing 'bottlenecks' in arms transfers, emphasizing the need for tools to expedite the operation.
While Netanyahu claimed that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured him of efforts to resolve the delays, Blinken clarified that only the shipment of heavy bombs is under review. The White House denied Netanyahu's allegations, stating that discussions with Israel are focused on the paused bomb shipment.
Despite growing international criticism over U.S. support for Israel's military actions in Gaza, Congress recently approved a $15 billion sale of F-15s to Israel. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has raised concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Netanyahu's message, delivered in English, is seen as a strategic move to secure continued U.S. arms support. The Israeli leader's actions are perceived as an attempt to maintain control over the conflict and deflect domestic political challenges. The situation remains complex, with cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas yielding little progress.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a significant loss of life and severe shortages of essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Despite calls for a cease-fire, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, prolonging the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
As the conflict continues, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the root causes of the crisis and work towards a lasting peace agreement. The situation remains fluid, with the fate of civilians in Gaza hanging in the balance as world leaders navigate the complexities of the conflict.
