The White House has canceled high-level security talks between American and Israeli officials following a public criticism by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu accused the Biden administration of withholding arms essential for Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas, a claim the US administration has firmly denied.
The cancellation of the meeting was intended to send a clear message to Netanyahu that public criticism of this nature would not be tolerated. An unnamed US official stated, "This decision makes it clear that there are consequences for pulling such stunts." A senior Israeli official echoed this sentiment, stating, "The Americans are fuming. [Netanyahu's] video made a lot of damage."
In a video posted on social media, Netanyahu criticized the US for allegedly withholding weapons and ammunition needed for Israel's military operations against Hamas in Gaza. "It's inconceivable that in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel," Netanyahu said. He referenced historical wartime support, comparing Israel's current needs to those of the UK during World War II, urging the US to provide the necessary tools to expedite Israel's military efforts.
The White House swiftly responded, denying Netanyahu's claims. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, "We genuinely do not know what [Netanyahu] is talking about. We just don't." She explained that only one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs was under review due to concerns about their use in the densely populated area of Rafah in Gaza, but that other weapons shipments were proceeding as planned.
The now-canceled talks were scheduled to be the first in-depth discussions between US and Israeli officials regarding the Iranian nuclear threat since March 2023. The meetings were to involve officials from the US State Department, Pentagon, and intelligence agencies, alongside their Israeli counterparts. Some Israeli officials were already en route to Washington when the meetings were canceled.
This incident marks the second cancellation of a US-Israel dialogue this year due to diplomatic tensions. In March, Netanyahu canceled a meeting in protest of the US's abstention on a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Netanyahu's public outburst comes amid increasing pressure on his government regarding the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the broader geopolitical tensions involving Iran. Iran has been escalating its uranium enrichment activities and obstructing International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors, raising alarms among global powers. Additionally, Iran-backed Hezbollah has been launching attacks on northern Israel, further straining the region's stability.
Despite the public spat, the US remains Israel's largest arms supplier. Recent reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that the sale of 50 F-15 fighter jets to Israel, valued at $18 billion, has been delayed but not canceled. A State Department official emphasized that the timing of such sales is being tactically reviewed, not indefinitely postponed.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while refraining from divulging details of his conversations with Netanyahu, reiterated the US commitment to Israel's security. "Our posture is, again, to make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself across these many threats," Blinken stated.
