Netanyahu: Dramatic drop in arms shipments started four months ago

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu released a recorded statement today (Sunday) explaining his decision to publicly air the problem of delayed weapons shipments from the United States.

According to the statement, the United States regularly provided it with everything it needed, something which Israel greatly appreciated, until about four months ago, when deliveries slowed down dramatically.

Netanyahu said that they had appealed to the government at all levels and behind closed doors. He said that "we received all sorts of explanations, but one thing we didn't get (weapons). The basic situation did not change." He said that "some items trickled in" but "the great mass (of weapons) remained behind."

Netanyahu said that "after months of lack of change in this situation, I decided to give expression to this in public," saying that such a step was vital to "free the logjam."

Netanyahu said that he expected it to lead to personal attacks domestically and abroad, as had happened when he attacked President Obama's emerging nuclear deal in 2015, and as happens whenever he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian "terror state" or his opposition to ending the war now.

Netanyahu ended by saying that he hoped the matter would be resolved soon.