Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant headed to Washington, DC, on Sunday for a visit which he described as “critical for the future of the war.”
In remarks made before departing, Gallant touted the importance of Israel’s relationship with the United States and underscored the significance of his visit.
“The meetings with the senior government officials are critical for the future of the war,” he said. “During these meetings, I plan to discuss developments [on the southern and northern fronts], in Gaza and Lebanon.”
Gallant continued, “We are prepared for any action that may be required in Gaza, Lebanon, and in additional areas.”
“The transition to ‘Phase 3’ in Gaza is of great importance. I will discuss this transition with US officials, touching on how it may enable additional things [to take place], and I know that we will achieve close cooperation with the US on this issue as well.”
Gallant was slated to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. He was also expected to also meet CIA Director William Burns and Special Envoy Amos Hochstein.
Spat between Biden Administration, Netanyahu
The trip came amid a public spat between US President Joe Biden’s administration and the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on Tuesday issued a video statement attacking the US for its “inconceivable” weapons holdup, claiming that more arms shipments have also been held back.
Israeli media quoted some analysts as speculating that Netanyahu’s video was aimed at ensuring the Zionist premier would receive the credit if the US agreed to move forward with the transfer following Gallant’s visit.
The Ynet news site quoted an unnamed Israeli security source as saying that Tel Aviv had been “very close” to reaching an agreement with Washington on the matter, but that this progress was halted when Netanyahu issued the video. Israeli Channel 12 news similarly speculated that the Biden administration was unlikely to budge on the matter as a result of the disagreement going public.
Netanyahu himself is due to visit the US, with an address to a joint session of Congress scheduled for July 24.
Source: Israeli media
