United States Warns Israel: Allow Aid to Gaza or Risk Losing Military Assistance
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have issued a warning to Israel, stating that if American humanitarian aid is not allowed to be transferred to Gaza within 30 days, military assistance may be halted. The message was delivered through an official document to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
The U.S. officials threatened to invoke a national security memorandum issued in March, which outlined conditions for ongoing military support to Israel, including the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. Despite Israel’s recent claims of facilitating aid shipments, the U.S. remains concerned about restrictions.
Washington has demanded tangible steps from Israel within the specified timeframe, with potential consequences for future military aid. While the U.S. has delayed bomb shipments, components for the THAAD missile defense system have started arriving in Israel.
Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder confirmed the upcoming full operation of the THAAD system, following Israel’s request for additional military assets for regional security. At the same time, Italy has frozen arms contracts with Israel following a recent incident in southern Lebanon.