Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the United States is looking to lift restrictions on certain arms deliveries to Israel, following months of withheld shipments. In a video statement, Netanyahu stated that Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured him last week that the Biden administration is working to eliminate what he termed \"bottlenecks\" in the delivery process.
During a press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Blinken refrained from confirming Netanyahu's remarks, clarifying that only one shipment has been delayed. He noted that the Biden administration is currently reviewing a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs, which was held back in May due to concerns over their potential use in densely populated areas of Gaza. Blinken emphasized that all other arms deliveries are proceeding as usual, ensuring that Israel has the necessary resources to defend itself amid ongoing regional challenges.
In related discussions, Stoltenberg raised alarms about the increasing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea, highlighting Moscow's support for North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. This development adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape, as NATO continues to monitor these evolving military ties.