The Biden administration last week put a hold on a shipment of U.S.-made ammunition to Israel, two Israeli officials told Axios.
Why it matters: It is the first time since the Oct. 7 attack that the U.S. has stopped a weapons shipment intended for the Israeli military. The incident raised serious concerns inside the Israeli government and sent officials scrambling to understand why the shipment was held, Israeli officials said.
President Biden is facing sharp criticism among Americans who oppose his support of Israel. The administration in February asked Israel to provide assurances that U.S.-made weapons were being used by Israel Defense Forces in Gaza in accordance with international law. Israel provided a signed letter of assurances in March.
I don’t believe the protests were a dominating factor to this decision. It’s obvious that Biden doesn’t like Bibi, just as it’s obvious that Bibi is prolonging this war for his own political gain.
Biden definitely doesn’t align with Netanyahu, but he’s been very diplomatic thus far. Netanyahu knows he is not facing reelection regardless of what he does from now on. He had a 15% favorability rating as of January, which has undoubtedly fallen since instigating Iran.