The Israeli government is deeply frustrated with Washington last week’s decision to stop a big delivery of weapons to the Middle Eastern country, according to an NBC report on Wednesday citing an Israeli official. In addition, the source added that the frustration sentiment increased because Israel felt the US failed to warn them about Hama’s announcement of accepting a ceasefire. The weapons delivery that the US halted included 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, the official noted allegedly confirming previous reports. On Tuesday, the White House insisted on not wanting to see a further escalation of the conflict in Rafah where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a military operation and the evacuation of thousands.
Austin: US reviewing Israel aid over Rafah plans
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin clarified on Wednesday that Washington is currently “reviewing” near-term security assistance shipments to Israel due to the “unfolding events” in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah. “We have delayed the shipment. We made it clear that we are opposed to Israeli action in Rafah that does not take into account the safety of the Palestinian citizens in the city,” Austin told the Senate Appropriations Committee but added that Washington has not yet made a final decision regarding the weapon shipment. Earlier, US media outlets reported that the Biden administration put a pause on a shipment of some 3,500 bombs to Israel last week over growing concerns that the weapons could be used during Israeli military operation in Rafah.