Gallant goes to Washington: “Meetings that are crucial to this war” | The Jewish Press – JewishPress.com | Hana Levi Julian | 17 Sivan 5784 – Sunday, June 23, 2024

Photo credit: Shachar Yuman / Israel Ministry of Defense

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant left Israel on Saturday evening at the invitation of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for an official visit to Washington DC

Gallant said the visit was his most important and challenging trip to date and described the upcoming talks as “critical to the continuation of the war.”

In addition to the Minister, the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Major General (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff Shachar Katz, Military Secretary Brigadier General Guy Markizano and the Director of the Political and POL-MIL Office, Dror Shalom, are present.

Gallant is also scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, senior presidential adviser Amos Hochstein, CIA director William Burns and other senior U.S. officials.

He is expected to “address the unique areas of cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli defense establishments, with a focus on force-building efforts and power projection, while maintaining Israel’s qualitative edge in the region,” his office said in a statement.

Speaking at the airport before his departure, the minister stressed that the United States remains Israel’s “most important and central ally,” adding that the relationship with Israel is “critically important and perhaps more important than ever” at this time.

Gallant said he wanted to discuss developments on the southern and northern fronts as well as in Gaza and Lebanon.

“We are prepared for any measures that may be necessary in Gaza, Lebanon and other areas,” the minister said.

“The transition to ‘Phase 3’ in Gaza is of great importance. I will discuss this transition with US officials and how it can enable additional things, and I know that we will achieve close cooperation with the US on this issue as well,” he added.

Gallant and Austin maintain a close and cordial relationship despite the rocky road other Israeli officials have traveled with the Biden administration.

The two defense chiefs speak on the phone several times a week.