Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the Biden administration to resume providing weapons and ammunition to Israel, ahead of his upcoming meeting with President Joe Biden. Netanyahu expressed his concerns during a video call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the Biden administration to renew its supply of weapons and ammunition to Israel, expressing concern over the potential consequences of a halt in supplies. Netanyahu made his request during a recent video call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to a video released by the Israeli Prime Minister's office.
In the video, Netanyahu stated that he had conveyed to Blinken that it was "inconceivable" for the Biden administration to withhold weapons and ammunition from Israel. He emphasized the critical importance of these supplies for Israel's security, particularly in the context of ongoing regional tensions.
Netanyahu Demands Renewed Weapons Supply as Biden Meeting Looms
The request for renewed weapons supplies comes amidst reports of confusion surrounding the upcoming meeting between Netanyahu and President Biden, initially scheduled for Tuesday but later postponed to Thursday. Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported that Netanyahu's team was unsure if the meeting would take place, citing an Israeli official's statement that Netanyahu was still "waiting for an answer" from the White House. However, a U.S. official later told Fox News that the meeting had been set for Thursday.
Netanyahu's arrival in the U.S. coincides with President Biden's announcement that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, signaling potential turmoil within the Democratic Party. The prime minister's visit also comes shortly after Biden's diagnosis with COVID-19. As of Monday afternoon, Biden remained isolated at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, while recovering from the virus.
Netanyahu Demands Renewed Weapons Supply as Biden Meeting Looms
In a letter released on Monday, Biden's physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, reported that the president had completed his tenth dose of PAXLOVID and that his symptoms had almost entirely resolved. O'Connor stated that Biden's vital signs remained normal and that he continued to perform his presidential duties.
Vice President Kamala Harris is also expected to meet with Netanyahu at some point this week, according to White House Liaison to the American Jewish community Shelley Greenspan. Biden endorsed Harris in the 2024 presidential race after dropping out of the contest.
Netanyahu Demands Renewed Weapons Supply as Biden Meeting Looms
Notably, Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver a speech before Congress on Wednesday, although Harris reportedly declined to preside over the address, according to the Washington Post. Prior to his departure for Washington, Netanyahu reassured reporters that Israel would stand by the U.S. regardless of who the American people elected as president. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating unity and strength in the face of war and uncertainty.
Netanyahu has also reportedly requested a meeting with former President Donald Trump during his visit to the U.S., according to Politico. It remains unclear whether Trump has agreed to the meeting.
Netanyahu Demands Renewed Weapons Supply as Biden Meeting Looms
The Israeli prime minister's concerns regarding weapons supplies reflect Israel's ongoing security challenges in the region, including threats from Iran and other regional actors. Israel has relied on the U.S. as a key ally for decades, and Netanyahu's request indicates the importance of maintaining close military cooperation between the two nations.
As Netanyahu and Biden prepare to meet, it remains to be seen whether their discussions will address the issue of weapons supplies and other matters of mutual concern. The outcome of their meeting will likely have implications for the future of U.S.-Israeli relations and for Israel's security in the region.
