Axios reported, citing two American officials, that the White House canceled a high-level intelligence meeting between Israel and the US due to a video released by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The 'US-Israel Strategic Advisory Group' (SCG) was scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 21, to review new information regarding 'computer modeling by Iranian nuclear scientists for research and development of nuclear weapons.' Recently, Netanyahu claimed in a video that the US had suspended military aid to Israel. An American and an Israeli official told Axios that senior advisors to President Joe Biden were angered by the video's release, and this dissatisfaction was expressed during a several-hour meeting between Amos Hochstein, Biden's senior advisor, and Netanyahu. These unnamed sources further stated that the White House then decided to take a step further by canceling the meeting on Thursday. An American official stated that the White House's decision conveyed a clear message that such theatrical moves by Netanyahu have consequences. A senior Israeli official also mentioned that 'the Americans are angry. Netanyahu's video caused significant damage (to bilateral relations).' The Haaretz newspaper confirmed this news, stating that some Israeli officials were preparing to travel to Washington at the time of the meeting's cancellation. Meanwhile, an American official told Axios that the White House did not actually cancel the meeting on Iran's nuclear program but postponed it. In the video published in English, Netanyahu stated that it is inconceivable that the US government has suspended the delivery of weapons and ammunition to Israel in recent months. In response to these statements, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre noted that only one weapons shipment has been halted since the start of the Gaza war, while billions of dollars in weapons have flowed to Israel without any hindrance, and they really do not know what Netanyahu is talking about. Two Israeli officials who were present during Biden's senior advisor's meeting with Netanyahu told Axios that Hochstein criticized Netanyahu, stating that the allegations in the video are both incorrect and outside the diplomatic realm.
US Cancels Meeting with Israel on Iran in Protest of Netanyahu Video
The US canceled a high-level meeting with Israel regarding Iran after Netanyahu released a video claiming the US suspended military aid to Israel. This decision reflects growing tensions between the US and Israel, particularly concerning Netanyahu's public statements. The situation underscores the fragility of US-Israel relations amid ongoing concerns about Iran's nuclear program.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The US canceled a high-level intelligence meeting with Israel after Netanyahu released a video claiming the US suspended military aid to Israel. This decision highlights tensions between the two nations over public statements and diplomatic conduct.
- The meeting was part of the US-Israel Strategic Advisory Group focused on Iran's nuclear program.
- Netanyahu's video incorrectly claimed the US halted military aid, which the White House refuted.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
US-Israel relations are historically strong but occasionally strained by political disagreements and public statements. Iran's nuclear program is a contentious issue, with significant global security implications.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%