Israel hasn't received every weapon it asked for: Top US general

A top military general in the United States (US) said on Thursday (Mar 28) that Israel did not receive every weapon it had asked for, in part because some of it could affect the American military's readiness and there were capacity limitations. Addressing an event hosted by the Defense Writers Group, General Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said, "Although we've been supporting them with capability, they've not received everything they've asked for."

"Some of that is because they've asked for stuff that we either can't provide or not willing to provide, not right now," General Brown added. The US gives $3.8 billion in annual military assistance to Israel.

General Brown's remarks comes at a time Israel has been at war with Hamas since early October last year. On Thursday, a spokesperson for Brown said in a statement that his remarks were about a standard practice before providing military aid to any of Washington's allies and partners. 

"We assess US stockpiles and any possible impact on our readiness to determine our ability to provide the requested aid. There is no change in US policy. The United States continues to provide security assistance to our ally Israel as they defend themselves from Hamas," the spokesperson added. 

Also, a day after Brown's remarks, two sources told the news agency Reuters that the US recently authorised the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel. 

This came hours after President Joe Biden acknowledged "the pain being felt" by many Arab Americans over the war in Gaza and American support for Israel and its military offensive.

Since the conflict started, the US has been rushing air defences and munitions to Israel and this assistance has been criticised by some Democrats and Arab American groups. 

(With inputs from agencies)