White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has affirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's security, dismissing reports of delays in delivering aid.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has reaffirmed the United States' "ironclad" support for Israel, despite recent reports that the Biden administration had temporarily suspended an ammunition shipment to the country.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Jean-Pierre declined to address the specific reports, stating that she would not "speak to that." However, she emphasized that the U.S.' commitment to Israel's security remains solid.
"The president said that the supplemental was imperative, and now this. How do you square that?" Fox News' Jacqui Heinrich asked, referring to a $95 billion aid package recently passed by the Senate that includes support for both Ukraine and Israel.
Jean-Pierre responded by reiterating the importance of the aid package for both countries and other areas in need of humanitarian assistance. She declined to comment further on the issue of arms sales to Israel.
"Not going to speak to that," she said.
The exchange came amid reports from Axios that a U.S.-manufactured ammunition shipment to Israel had been halted last week, leaving Israeli officials concerned. The State Department and the Department of Defense echoed Jean-Pierre's "ironclad" statements regarding U.S. support for Israel but did not provide further details on the alleged suspension.
The reports of delayed aid surfaced as President Biden denounced antisemitism on college campuses and around the world following the recent attacks in Israel. In his address, Biden reaffirmed his support for Israel in its fight against terrorism, even as his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced strains over Israel's push to invade Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Despite the ongoing tensions and reports of suspended aid, the White House has maintained its stance of unwavering support for Israel's security. Jean-Pierre's refusal to provide specifics on the alleged suspension has left unanswered questions, but the administration's overall position on Israel's well-being remains clear.
