US deserts ally in wartime

WHAT kind of ally refuses to send you desperately needed weapons when you’re smack in the middle of a war? Apparently, that’s what the US did with Israel. It’s unforgivable.

The decision came, it seems, after White House officials learnt that, unbeknownst to them, Israel received mortar shells and grenade-illuminating rounds from the Pentagon to use against Hamas.

Officials say they were “blindsided” by the transfer. But it turns out that it was routine. Still, the White House suddenly put all future transfers on hold. And it ordered the Pentagon to consult the executive branch and state department before approving requests. No doubt, the White House is irked by the fact that its efforts to mediate an end to the fighting have fallen flat and that it has been pushed to the sidelines as others, such as Egypt, take up the role.

It also resents the fact that Israel insists on self-defence and will not give in to US pressure for more concessions.

Yet none of that justifies lashing out against Israel — and holding up weapons — in the middle of a war.

If Israel suffers, and its terrorist enemies are emboldened, then the US’s own security interest abroad will be harmed.

And if any ally still trusts us to have their back, they won’t any more.