UN Israel Ambassador "Difficult to Hear and Very Disappointing Remarks"
As the United States declared it would cut off arms support to Israel, which is showing signs of pushing forward with a ground offensive in Rafah, Israel expressed disappointment.
According to the Times of Israel on the 9th (local time), Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, said in an interview with Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation's Kan Radio regarding U.S. President Joe Biden's statement on halting arms support, "It is a difficult and very disappointing statement to hear from a president we have been grateful to since the start of the war." This was the first official response from Israeli officials following President Biden's remarks.
Ambassador Erdan emphasized, "Of course, any pressure on Israel is interpreted by our enemies as a source of hope," and added, "There are many American Jews who voted for President Biden and the Democratic Party. Right now, they are hesitating."
Earlier, on the 8th (local time), President Biden stated in an interview with CNN, "Civilians in Gaza are dying from bombs and other forms of attacks," and "If the Israeli military advances into Rafah, I have made it clear that I will not support the weapons they have used so far in handling Rafah and other cities."
The New York Times reported, "This decision by the U.S. government marks a significant turning point in the 76-year relationship between the two countries, which is historically one of the closest security alliances in the world."
However, President Biden also stated, "We will continue to provide defensive weapons, including ammunition to maintain the Iron Dome air defense system, for Israel's defense."
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