Official announcements from the Pentagon or Israeli Ministry of Defense

Netanyahu Accuses Biden of Withholding 2,000-pound Bombs, Sparking Diplomatic Rift and Iran Meeting Cancellation

Jun 20, 2024, 06:00 AM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly accused the Biden administration of withholding essential weapons and ammunition, including 2,000-pound bombs, from Israel, which he claims is hampering Israel's military efforts in Gaza, particularly in Rafah. Netanyahu's comments, made during a state memorial ceremony in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, have led to a significant diplomatic rift between the U.S. and Israel, with the White House expressing deep disappointment and frustration over the accusations. In response to Netanyahu's video, the Biden administration canceled a high-level meeting with Israeli officials that was scheduled to discuss Iran. The U.S. has denied Netanyahu's claims, stating that the accusations are untrue and unproductive. This public spat has further strained U.S.-Israeli relations and complicated efforts to de-escalate tensions on the Lebanese border and avoid conflict with Hezbollah. The situation is exacerbated by internal Israeli political dynamics, including the dissolution of Netanyahu's wartime cabinet and growing divisions between Israel's military and political leadership over the conduct and goals of the Gaza war.