The White House on Thursday said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's comments on the U.S.-supplied weapons was "incorrect."
"It was perplexing, to say the least, certainly disappointing, especially given that no other country is doing more to help Israel defend itself against the threat by Hamas," White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
Netanyahu issued a quick response saying he was prepared to take the American criticism as long as the ammunition is delivered.
On Tuesday the prime minister posted a video claiming in English that he told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that it was "inconceivable" that in the past few months, Washington was "withholding weapons and ammunitions" to Israel.
Kirby said U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan would be meeting visiting Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and head of the National Security Council Tzachi Hanegbi later on Thursday. The State Department also announced a meeting with the Israeli visitors with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The meetings come after the U.S. canceled a meeting with the Israeli officials and representatives of the IDF and the Defense Ministry in response to Netanyahu's public claims. One official said of the post that Netanyahu was "ungrateful."
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming U.S. withholds military aid
(Photo: Screensho)
Israeli officials were also critical of the prime minister's comments describing the as extremely damaging to relations with the Biden administration and noting that the decision to cancel the event was made while some participants were already en route to Washington.
Officials hoped that the defense officials would be able to meet with their American counterparts soon. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is due to visit Washington next week, to meet with senior officials there.
First published: 19:11, 06.20.24