White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Thursday the U.S. remains “perplexed” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims this week that the U.S. was holding up weapons for Israel and creating bottlenecks. Kirby called the prime minister’s comments “disappointing, especially given that no other country is doing more to help Israel defend itself against the threat by Hamas and, quite frankly, other threats that they’re facing in the region.”
Quick Read
- Biden Administration Perplexed by Netanyahu’s Claims: The Biden administration remains “perplexed” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments that the U.S. is withholding weapons and creating bottlenecks.
- Kirby’s Response: White House national security spokesman John Kirby called the comments “disappointing,” emphasizing that the U.S. has been a key supporter of Israel’s defense against Hamas and other regional threats.
- Incorrect Claims: Kirby described Netanyahu’s claims as “vexing and disappointing” and noted that they were incorrect.
- Domestic Political Context: Analysts suggest Netanyahu’s remarks aim to bolster support among his right-wing base in Israel and supporters in the U.S., rather than indicating actual on-the-ground shortages of weapons.
- U.S. Support for Israel: The Biden administration has provided critical military and diplomatic support to Israel during the war against Hamas.
- Concerns Over Civilian Casualties: President Joe Biden has delayed delivering certain heavy bombs since May due to concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, but has avoided suggesting Israeli forces have crossed a red line that would trigger a broader ban on arms transfers.
The Associated Press has the story:
Biden admin is still ‘perplexed’ by Israel’s Netanyahu saying US is withholding weapons
Newslooks- WASHINGTON — (AP)
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Thursday the U.S. remains “perplexed” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims this week that the U.S. was holding up weapons for Israel and creating bottlenecks.
Kirby called the prime minister’s comments “disappointing, especially given that no other country is doing more to help Israel defend itself against the threat by Hamas and, quite frankly, other threats that they’re facing in the region.”
“It was vexing and disappointing to us, as much as it was incorrect. So, difficult to know exactly what was on his mind there,” Kirby told reporters.
Netanyahu’s video message Tuesday comes as he faces growing domestic political problems. Analysts say it likely aimed to shore up support among his right-wing base in Israel as well as the country’s supporters in the U.S., and doesn’t appear to indicate on-the-ground shortages of weapons.
The Biden administration has provided crucial military and diplomatic support for Israel throughout the war against Hamas.
President Joe Biden has delayed delivering certain heavy bombs since May over concerns about Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza. Yet the administration has gone to lengths to avoid any suggestion that Israeli forces have crossed a red line in the deepening operation in the southern city of Rafah, which would trigger a more sweeping ban on arms transfers.
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