Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Discusses Delayed US Weapons and Appoints New Coordinators

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the US has been withholding weapons deliveries to Israel. He mentioned this during a weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, stating that there has been a significant decrease in munitions from the US over the past four months. Despite numerous requests at various levels, the situation has not improved.

In May, the Biden administration confirmed delaying a shipment of bombs due to concerns they might be used in Rafah. However, Washington claims that all other weapons are being delivered.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is currently in Washington for discussions with senior US officials about the situations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iranian threats. Netanyahu is also scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on July 24.

During the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu announced the appointments of Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Yiftah Ron-Tal and Vice Adm. (Res.) Eliezer Marom. They will coordinate the return of evacuated civilians to their communities in the south and along the Lebanese border. Around 60,000 Israelis were forced to evacuate in October due to Hezbollah attacks, which have killed 10 civilians and 14 soldiers since October 7.

Residents of some Gaza border areas have already begun returning to their homes. At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on October 7. Of the 116 remaining hostages, more than 30 are believed dead.