Israel's push for more US weaponry comes at a delicate moment
When Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant meets with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday, Gallant is expected to ask for more US weaponry and equipment to support Israel’s war in Gaza, US officials said.
It is an extremely delicate request because US weapons sales to Israel are under intense scrutiny by lawmakers and critics of President Joe Biden’s ongoing support for Israel.
“The secretary still believes fundamentally in Israel’s inherent right to defend themselves and that we will continue to support them in that regard,” Pentagon press secretary Patrick Ryder said on Monday. “That support is ironclad.”
It also comes as the US and Israel's relationship hit a new low point after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrapped a delegation's Washington visit with US officials to discuss Israel’s military plans for southern Gaza.
According to a senior administration official, Gallant will be told that the various cases of weapons sales are being worked on. “There is scrutiny, but no policy decision to deny” the provision of additional weapons to Israel, the official told CNN.
Some background: The Biden administration has been debating whether and how to condition certain forms of military assistance to Israel. Despite the heightened tensions, the growing weapons sales from the US remain top of mind for Israeli defense officials, who have been pushing their US counterparts for faster approval and progress on the weapons transfers.
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