US Military Chief: Israel Hasn't Received All Requested Weapons Due to US Capacity Limitations
The US top military chief, General Charles Q.
Brown, stated on Thursday that Israel has not received all the weapons it requested from the US due to their potential impact on US military readiness and capacity limitations.
The US provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military aid.
Critics, including Democrats and Arab American groups, have criticized the Biden administration's support of Israel, which they believe emboldens Israel.
Despite this, the US has been sending air defenses and munitions to Israel.
The US military is not providing immediate aid to Israel due to capacity and willingness issues, according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's spokesperson, Navy Captain Jereal Dorsey.
Dorsey explained that the US assesses its stockpiles and the potential impact on its own readiness before providing military aid to allies.
This is a standard practice and there is no change in US policy towards providing security assistance to Israel during their defense against Hamas.
Approximately 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip due to Israel's offensive in response to attacks by Hamas, according to Palestinian health authorities.
The conflict resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 253 hostage abductions in Israel, as per Israeli tallies.
Opposition to Israel's actions within the Democratic Party led to thousands of uncommitted votes for President Biden in recent primaries.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Washington, discussing security assistance to Israel.
The Pentagon described the conversation as an ongoing dialogue.