War cabinet minister Gantz pushes back on criticism of Washington, hailing its efforts to support Israel during war; delegations leave Cairo as latest talks on hostage deal end.

The Israel Defense Forces asserted Thursday that the military had enough munitions for its planned missions, after United States President Joe Biden threatened that some arms shipments would be frozen if Israel launched a planned offensive in southern Gaza’s Rafah.

“The IDF has armaments for the missions it is planning, including missions in Rafah. We have what we need,” IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said, responding to a question at a press conference.

While some commentators have agreed the military likely has munitions needed for a Rafah offensive, it may be hard-pressed to face Hezbollah if the conflict in the north develops into all-out war and Washington continues to withhold munitions.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first direct response Thursday to Biden’s warning, said that if Israel “has to stand alone, we will stand alone.”

“During the War of Independence 76 years ago, we were few against many,” he said. “We had no weapons, there was an arms embargo on Israel, but with the strength of the soul, the bravery and the unity within us — we won.”

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