Blinken Says Weapon Shipments to Israel Proceeding ‘Normally’ Despite Netanyahu’s Concerns

The Israeli prime minister urged the Biden administration to ‘give us the tools and we’ll finish the job a lot quicker,' as fighting in Gaza continues.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken talks to reporters inside The Kirya, which houses the Israeli Defence Ministry, after their meeting in Tel Aviv on Oct. 12, 2023. Jacquelyn Martin/Pool/ AFP via Getty Images

Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on June 18 that although the U.S. government is continuing to hold up a shipment of bombs to Israel, all other shipments of U.S. military aid for Israel are moving forward as they “normally would.”

President Joe Biden’s administration first said in May that it had decided to halt and review a shipment of bombs meant for Israel over concerns that those munitions could create an undue risk of civilian casualties as Israeli forces continue their military campaign in the Gaza Strip. That paused shipment consists of 2,000-pound bombs and might include 500-pound bombs.