During a key meeting this week between US President Joe Biden’s national security team and Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, it was confirmed that the US will continue to pause the shipment of heavy bombs to Israel. The decision, initially made in May, remains under review due to concerns over potential civilian casualties in Gaza. This was disclosed by a senior US official following discussions that also touched on the broader supply of US military aid to Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas and rising tensions with Hezbollah on the northern border.
Defense Minister Gallant, during his US visit, emphasized Israel’s preference for a diplomatic resolution over military escalation, particularly in potential conflicts involving Hezbollah. He notably stated that while Israel could forcefully respond to Hezbollah’s aggression, it seeks peaceable avenues, aligning with ongoing US diplomatic efforts.
The US decision to hold back certain munitions comes amidst broader discussions aimed at resolving weapon supply bottlenecks and ensuring Israel remains equipped for its self-defense without exacerbating the humanitarian situation in Gaza. These talks have reportedly made significant headway, with Gallant noting that previous obstacles in military aid discussions had been addressed.