Published: 2024-05-09 18:51
Last Updated: 2024-11-01 23:14
The “Israeli” war cabinet is set to meet this evening to discuss the Biden administration’s decision to pause a weapons shipment ahead of a looming “Israeli” invasion of the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip.
Another meeting for the national security cabinet is slated two hours later – one official told the “The Times of Israel”.
Also Read: Top “Israeli” official resigns
The official added that the “Israeli” reaction to the US pause is largely the same as Netanyahu’s statement earlier – where he vowed that the Israeli Occupation will fight with their fingernails in the Gaza Strip if they have, per his expression.
In a phone call on Monday between Netanyahu and Biden, the latter warned the Prime Minister that the United States will halt “offensive weapons” if a wide-scale incursion into the city of Rafah takes place – where around 1.5 millions displaced Palestinians are currently taking refuge.
Also Read: Biden demands Netanyahu to reopen shuttered border crossing
Earlier, senior “Israeli” officials have expressed their “deep frustration” with the Biden administration over its recent decision – two sources briefed on the issue told news website “Axios”.
The US decision could jeopardize the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and the Israeli Occupation – the sources warned.
Also Read: Negotiations end in Cairo; “Israel” to continue Rafah operation
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said: "We're going to continue to do what's necessary to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself. But that said, we are currently reviewing some near-term security assistance shipments in the context of unfolding events in Rafah.”
The shipment included 1,800 2,000-pound-bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs.