White House Cancels US-Israel Meeting on Iran Following Benjamin Netanyahu's Criticism

The White House canceled an upcoming meeting between the US and Israel regarding Iran after Benjamin Netanyahu accused the US of withholding military aid to Israel. Axios reported this based on statements from two US officials. Netanyahu stated that it is unimaginable that the US government has not provided weapons and ammunition to Israel over the past few months. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that only one shipment of weapons has been halted since the war began, while billions of dollars in arms have been sent to Israel without obstruction. Senior US and Israeli officials were scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 21, at the White House during the US-Israel Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) meeting to discuss Iran's nuclear program. Despite the cancellation of this meeting, Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, is still set to host his Israeli counterpart, and the Israeli Defense Minister's trip to Washington has not been canceled. Recently, four US and Israeli officials told Axios that US and Israeli intelligence agencies are examining new information regarding computer modeling by Iranian scientists that could be used for research and development of nuclear weapons. They stated that the purpose of this modeling by the Iranians is unclear, and while it does not indicate a shift in Iran's policy and strategy towards weapons, it is a concerning sign regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions. The canceled meeting on Thursday was considered the first comprehensive session between US and Israeli officials to discuss Iran's nuclear program in about fifteen months. The US and Israel are reviewing new information about the Islamic Republic's nuclear activities, with the US Secretary of State emphasizing Washington's commitment to Israel's security while attempting to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel has warned of an imminent war with the Hezbollah group in Lebanon, and a US special envoy stated that they aim to prevent a 'wider war' at the Israel-Lebanon border.