White House Reasserts 'Ironclad' Support for Israel Amidst Slow-Walking Aid Reports

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has reaffirmed the United States' "ironclad" commitment to Israel, despite reports that the Biden administration has delayed arms shipments to the country. Jean-Pierre declined to directly address the allegations but emphasized the US's unwavering support for Israel's security.

Washington, D.C. - White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has reiterated the United States' "ironclad" commitment to Israel, despite recent reports that the Biden administration has slowed down arms shipments to the country.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Jean-Pierre declined to directly address the allegations but emphasized that the US's commitment to Israel's security remains unwavering.

"Our commitment to Israel is indeed ironclad," Jean-Pierre said. "And we proved that in getting that supplemental done," referring to a $95 billion aid package passed in the Senate that provides assistance to Ukraine and Israel.

The reports of delayed aid shipments arose from a recent Axios article citing two Israeli officials, who claimed that a U.S.-manufactured ammunition shipment to Israel was stopped last week. This left Israeli government officials scrambling to understand the reasoning behind the delay.

When asked by Fox News' Jacqui Heinrich how the US could maintain an "ironclad commitment" while simultaneously delaying arms sales, Jean-Pierre declined to provide specifics. She reiterated that the US's support for Israel's security is unwavering.

"The president said that the supplemental was imperative, and now this. How do you square that?" Heinrich asked.

"Not going to speak to that," Jean-Pierre responded.

The White House's stance on the matter aligns with previous statements made by President Biden, who has repeatedly affirmed his unwavering support for Israel. During a speech on Tuesday, Biden denounced antisemitism on college campuses and around the world, following the October 7 attack in Israel where Hamas terrorists killed nearly 1,200 people.

In his address, Biden reiterated his declaration of unwavering support for Israel in its fight against Hamas. However, his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has grown strained due to Israel's push to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which would likely worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis for Palestinians.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.