Gallant Reports 'Progress' on U.S. Arms Shipment to Israel

Israeli Defense Minister announced that during his meetings with officials of the Biden administration in Washington, 'significant progress' has been made regarding the issue of U.S. ammunition and arms shipments to Israel. Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed in a video on social media that the U.S. government is withholding necessary weapons from Israel. This video received a negative reaction from U.S. officials, and the Biden administration described it as surprising. John Kirby, the National Security Advisor at the White House, reminded that no country has helped Israel in its self-defense as much as the U.S. has. Yoav Gallant's visit aimed to reduce existing tensions between the two countries concerning Netanyahu's claims about Washington's withholding of arms. On Wednesday, July 6, after meeting with Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor, Gallant spoke about the reduction of these tensions, but it remains unclear whether the Biden administration will lift the halt on Israel's 2,500-pound bombs. The Israeli Defense Command stated that Gallant also discussed with Sullivan the 'commitment of Israel to ensure the safe return of Israeli communities to their homes in the northern borders with changes in the security reality in the region.' Gallant met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday and stated that the United States is seeking a diplomatic agreement to calm the situation at the Israel-Lebanon border between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. Recent exchanges of fire and missile attacks between Hezbollah and Israel have led to the evacuation of tens of thousands from both sides of the border, increasing concerns about the onset of a full-scale war in the region. Washington is trying to find a diplomatic solution to prevent the escalation of conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah, but its efforts have so far been unsuccessful. Israel wants Hezbollah to withdraw to the other side of the Litani River, 30 kilometers from the border, as stated in a UN Security Council resolution. Meanwhile, Gallant recently warned that Israel is preparing for a major operation in Lebanon. His office also announced that he discussed the importance of cooperation 'against Iranian aggressions and its nuclear ambitions' with Sullivan. The Israeli Defense Minister, during his meetings with U.S. officials in Washington on Tuesday, considered Iran's nuclear program a threat to the world and warned of the potential for the Islamic Republic to acquire nuclear weapons. Israel has consistently warned about Iran's nuclear program and accused the Islamic Republic of seeking to acquire atomic weapons.