BTN News: The fresh friction emerged this week as Netanyahu issued a rebuke over U.S. arms shipments and the Biden administration was also reportedly angered by Israel’s refusal to oppose a possible court ruling against a U.S. citizen killed in Gaza. Netanyahu’s remarks posted to social media accused the U.S., Israel’s chief foreign military backer, of stalling ammunition and weapon deliveries to Israel in recent months.
On Thursday, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, “The nature of our relationship with Israel allows for disagreements, as we have had on some key issues,” while he expressed disappointment and frustration over Netanyahu’s comments. Kirby told reporters “we were disappointed” and “clearly irritated” by the remarks. He also said that no other country is providing Israel with more help in fighting off threats from Hamas and other foes.
White House Reaction
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had said on the previous day that the administration is not sure what Netanyahu was talking about. CNN’s Jake Tapper and Jim Acosta contributed to this report. Other than one package of four 2,000-pound bombs that IOC said it was re-evaluating on the grounds they might be deployed to heavily populated districts, there have been no further halts in arms shipments – Jean-Pierre
Netanyahu’s Response
Nonetheless, Netanyahu again dug into his position later Thursday. In a statement, he said that he was “prepared to absorb the attacks upon me, if we can save just one civilian life in the State of Israel by mobilizing for the U.S. shipment of ammunition for [Israel]. It follows a series of flare-ups between Netanyahu and Biden’s administration since the start of the conflict over Gaza last month, which kicked off with an unheard-of massive-for-Hamas attack in the same group in October.
Background of the Conflict
The Gaza war also presents President Biden with a major challenge as he campaigns for re-election later this year. A humanitarian crisis in Gaza and soaring death toll has drawn a fierce backlash from the progressive wing of his party. This political balancing act – the democratic socialist insurgency and an older generation of liberal groups – places new scrutiny on Biden as Israel support has been a long-standing U.S. policy.
Launched on October 7, after a massive attack by Hamas in southern Israel left 1,194 dead, mostly civilians, and 251 hostage. In response, Israel carried out strikes on the Gaza Strip, killing at least 37 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled enclave.
Consequences and Perspectives for the Future
The rare public shadow dance between Biden and Netanyahu underscores the difficulty of U.S.-Israel relations, particularly when it comes to managing them during a conflict. With a major war raging in Gaza, the Biden administration’s backing of Israel is arguably one of the most important elements in its foreign policy – amid blowback at home and around the world.
Conclusion
One more element of friction between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu: The argument over U.S. arms shipments to Israel continues As the two leaders negotiate their political terrain, this ongoing clash will determine who wins out and how this bodes for U.S.-Israel relations.
