Israel-Gaza: American Pier Functional Again; Netanyahu Criticizes US Military Aid

Israel-Gaza: American Pier Functional Again; Netanyahu Criticizes US Military Aid Tel Aviv, Israel – The American pier in Ashdod, damaged during the recent Israel-Gaza conflict, has been repaired and reopened for use, it was announced on Wednesday. The pier, which is used for loading and unloading cargo, was damaged in May by a Hamas rocket attack. The repairs cost approximately $10 million and were funded by the United States. The reopening of the pier is a significant development for Israel’s economy, as it allows for the resumption of vital trade activities. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the US military aid that was used to repair the pier. Netanyahu said that the aid should have been used for more urgent needs, such as building shelters for Israeli civilians. “The US gave us $10 million to fix the Ashdod pier,” Netanyahu said. “But we could have used that money to build 100 bomb shelters that would have saved Israeli lives.” Netanyahu’s comments come at a time when the US and Israel are engaged in a broader debate about the nature of their security relationship. The US has long been Israel’s largest military aid provider, but some in Congress are now questioning whether that aid is being used effectively. The reopening of the Ashdod pier is a reminder of the close ties between the US and Israel. However, Netanyahu’s criticism of US military aid is a sign of the tensions that can arise in that relationship.American Pier Functional Again After Gaza Conflict The American pier in the Gaza Strip has been reopened after being damaged during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The pier, which serves as a vital lifeline for the Palestinian people, had been closed for over a month while repairs were carried out. The pier is used by fishermen to access the Mediterranean Sea and by traders to import and export goods. It is also a popular tourist destination. The reopening of the pier is seen as a sign of the gradual return to normalcy in Gaza following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu Criticizes US Military Aid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized the United States for providing military aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA). Netanyahu said that the aid would only serve to strengthen Hamas, which is the dominant political faction in Gaza. The PA is the internationally recognized government of the Palestinian people. However, Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel, has been in control of Gaza since 2007. The United States provides the PA with over $300 million in military aid each year. The aid is used to train and equip the PA’s security forces, which are responsible for maintaining order in the West Bank, the territory that is under the PA’s control. Netanyahu said that the military aid to the PA was “a mistake” and that it “would only strengthen Hamas.” He called on the United States to cut off the aid to the PA.