Netanyahu to Biden: "If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone"

After long hours of back-and-forth between the American administration and Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu responded last evening (Thursday) to US President Biden's threat to stop arms shipments to Israel.

"We are on the eve of Independence Day. In the War of Independence 76 years ago, we were few against many. We had no weapons, there was an arms embargo on Israel, but with the greatness of the soul, the bravery and the unity within us - we won," Netanyahu said. "Today we are much stronger. We are determined, and we are united to defeat our enemy and those who seek to kill us."

"If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone" he added and clarified. "I have already said that if necessary - we will fight with our nails. But we have much more than nails, and with the same determination, with God's help, together, we will win."

Gantz: "Attacks on the US - ungratefulness"

At the same time, Chairman of the State Camp Benny Gantz also responded to Biden's decision and said that "the partnership between the US and Israel is a strategic partnership, and no less important - a valued one. The US stood by Israel in its most difficult hour, and the attacks on it by irresponsible ministers are a [type of] coercion intended for internal needs and stemming from political considerations."

"I maintain and will continue to maintain a direct dialogue [with US officials] on many sensitive issues that have a dramatic impact on Israel's security and I believe that the important arms shipments will continue. Beyond the security needs, this has an important political statement for the US's continued support of Israel," he added. "Israel has a security and moral obligation to continue fighting to return our hostages and remove the threat of Hamas from the south of the country, and the US has a moral and strategic obligation to provide Israel with the tools required for this mission."