The United States' decision to temporarily halt a large shipment of offensive weapons to Israel has drawn deep frustration from Israeli officials, according to an Israeli official who spoke to NBC News. This comes as the Biden administration raises concerns over a potential Israeli military offensive on Rafah and pushes for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas terrorists.
While the Israeli military downplayed the dispute, stating allies resolve disagreements "behind closed doors," the official revealed significant tensions within the Israeli government. Frustrations were already running high after Israel felt blindsided by Hamas' announcement earlier this week that it had accepted a version of a ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar.
"There is deep frustration in the Israeli government over the decision," the official told NBC News, referring to the US halting the arms shipment. The shipment, which the White House paused last week over concerns the weaponry could be used in Rafah, included 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs. A senior US administration official stated the Biden team was "especially focused" on stopping Israel's use of 2,000-pound bombs in Gaza due to their devastating impact in dense urban areas.
Israel has a large existing arsenal, making it unlikely the halt alone could stop a Rafah offensive. However, it signifies rising tensions as the US began reviewing future military aid transfers to Israel in April amid worries the government was nearing a Rafah operation despite opposition from Biden, world leaders, and humanitarian groups.
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met CIA Director William Burns during his trip on Wednesday, the two allies remained divided on ceasefire terms. Hamas claimed to accept a proposal, but Israel said it fell "far from" meeting its demands.
The weapons shipment halt hints at growing US-Israel friction over the conflict. Families of hostages blocked highways in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, escalating pressure on Netanyahu to agree to a deal.
