Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired back at President Joe Biden on Thursday, responding to White House criticism over his claims that the administration is withholding arms and ammunition necessary for Israel’s war. Earlier in the week, unconfirmed reports suggested that the US had told Israel that all arms shipments would resume, leading Netanyahu to post a video urging the administration to stop holding back weapons.
Netanyahu accused the Biden administration of using “bureaucratic sleight-of-hand” to withhold crucial aid to Israel, including F-15s, tactical vehicles, and small diameter bombs. He claimed that the administration has manipulated the Arms Export Control Act by withholding formal notification to Congress of approved weapons sales, only to claim that the weapons are “in process” while never delivering them.
Your administration is engaged in bureaucratic sleight-of-hand to withhold this crucial aid to Israel during a shooting war. As you are aware, the Arms Export Control Act requires the administration to notify Congress before sending weapons to a foreign country. Your administration has manipulated this requirement by withholding this formal notification to Congress of approved weapons sales, including F-15s, tactical vehicles, 120-mm mortars, 120-mm tank rounds, joint direct attack munitions, and small diameter bombs. Your administration can then claim that the weapons are “in process” while never delivering them.
– Benjamin Netanyahu
The need for weapons is urgent, as Israel faces a growing threat from Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon and Hamas battalions in Gaza. White House national security spokesman John Kirby disputed Netanyahu’s claim, calling it “vexing and disappointing” and “incorrect.” Netanyahu responded, saying he is willing to absorb personal attacks if it means Israel gets the arms and ammunition it needs to survive.
The Biden administration has openly called for new elections to oust Netanyahu, but ironically, Biden’s opposition has strengthened Netanyahu in Israeli polls.
