Biden administration strongly denies Netanyahu’s claim US is blocking arms shipments amid war with Hamas

The Biden administration has strongly denied Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that the United States is blocking arms shipments to Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Netanyahu made the assertion in a video address, stating that the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunitions from Israel, which he claimed was slowing down Israel’s offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

However, the White House has categorically denied these allegations, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, “We genuinely don’t know what he’s talking about

.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken also emphasized that the administration is committed to ensuring Israel has the necessary resources to defend itself against various threats, including from Hezbollah and Iran

Despite the denial, Netanyahu maintained that he had discussed the issue with Blinken during the latter’s recent visit to Israel, claiming that Blinken assured him the administration was working to address “bottlenecks” in arms deliveries. However, Blinken declined to confirm or deny Netanyahu’s characterization of their conversation, reiterating the administration’s commitment to Israel’s defense

PHOTO: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the US State Department, in Washington, D.C., June 18, 2024. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)The controversy surrounding arms shipments to Israel has been ongoing, with some critics arguing that the Biden administration’s focus on reducing civilian casualties in the region undermines Israel’s ability to defend itself effectively.

The administration has paused one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs due to concerns over their potential use in densely populated areas, but Blinken emphasized that everything else is moving as it normally would to ensure Israel has the necessary tools for defense

 Netayahu claims have sparked controversy, with some Democrats in Congress expressing concerns over the administration’s support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming days as the conflict continues.