ALBAWABA - In a surprising turn of events, the United States has reportedly declined Israel's request for the sale of Apache attack helicopters, intended for use in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
According to sources from the Yediot Ahronot's "Ynet" news site, the request, discussed during a meeting between Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin in Tel Aviv on December 18, awaits a final decision.
While the sale of the helicopters crucial for expanding Israel's aerial operations remains undecided, the Israeli government continues to apply pressure in favor of the acquisition. The helicopters were said to be earmarked for operations in Gaza, targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and striking objectives in the West Bank.
Simultaneously, internal criticisms within Israel are escalating, with former Chief of General Staff Dan Halutz asserting that the nation has effectively lost its battle against Hamas. Halutz suggests that the key to achieving victory lies in the resignation of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid has also expressed a lack of confidence in Netanyahu, stating that if similar events had occurred during his tenure, he would have resigned immediately.
