Biden Administration Lifts $18 Billion Arms Restrictions to Israel Amid Netanyahu's Criticism

Jun 18, 2024, 07:40 PM

The Biden administration has decided to lift restrictions on arms deliveries to Israel, following a series of discussions between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The US has pledged to remove any limits on arms transfers, including a significant deal involving the sale of 50 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets worth $18 billion. This decision comes after Netanyahu's public criticism of the US for withholding weapons, which he claimed was hindering Israel's military operations in Gaza after Hamas rejected a ceasefire. The White House, however, has denied these allegations, stating that only one shipment of large bombs was paused. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated this stance, while Amos Hochstein conveyed the administration's displeasure to Netanyahu. In response to Netanyahu's accusations, the White House canceled a high-level meeting with Israeli officials scheduled to discuss Iran. Blinken emphasized that the US remains committed to ensuring Israel has the necessary tools for self-defense, despite the recent tensions between the two nations.