Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his government on Sunday that there is a "significant decrease" in shipments of American weapons designated for the Israeli war effort in Gaza, confirming claims that the Biden administration has denied and highlighting the increasing tensions between the allies.

Netanyahu informed his government that the drop occurred four months ago, without specifying the type of weapons, simply stating that "some items arrived sporadically but ammunition generally remained behind."

This dispute highlights the extent to which tensions have escalated between Israel and Washington over the war in Gaza, particularly regarding the conduct of the Israeli military in the besieged enclave and the damage inflicted on civilians there. President Joe Biden has delayed the delivery of some heavy bombs since May due to these concerns, but his administration pushed back last week against Netanyahu's claims that other shipments had also been affected.

Netanyahu told the cabinet that he had to post a video in English last week after weeks of unsuccessful appeals to American officials to expedite deliveries. He said a solution seems close.

He added, "In light of what I heard over the past day, I hope and believe that this matter will be resolved soon."

The video Netanyahu published last week stirred up a fuss among critics in Israel and was met with denial and confusion from White House officials. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the United States is "puzzled" by Netanyahu's claims. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, "We don't generally know what he's talking about."

His remarks came hours after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant traveled to Washington for meetings with senior officials. A statement from Gallant's office said he would discuss "maintaining Israel's qualitative superiority in the region" but did not mention the issue of weapons.

The war in Gaza, ignited by Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, has put U.S.-Israeli relations to an unprecedented test. While the U.S. has strongly supported Israel's objectives of rescuing hostages held in Gaza and defeating Hamas, it has increasingly expressed concern over the rising Palestinian death toll and the humanitarian crisis caused by the war.

Biden is under pressure from progressive Democrats to take a firmer stance against Israel and has intensified his warnings to Netanyahu regarding military tactics in the Gaza Strip. However, after threatening a more comprehensive ban on arms transfers due to the attack on Rafah, the administration has avoided any suggestion that the expanded Israeli incursion into southern Gaza has crossed a red line.

During an election year, Biden is also facing criticism from the right, accusing him of softening his support for a key ally in the Middle East.

For Netanyahu, the increasing rapprochement with the United States also presents political risks and opportunities. His critics see the public quarrels as a result of a leader willing to destroy important alliances and tarnish Israel's image in the world for political gain.

But the rift gives the long-serving leader a chance to show his base that he is not beholden to the United States and that he prioritizes Israel's interests.