Israel Defence Chief to Head to Washington for Gaza Talks – Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is scheduled to depart on Sunday for discussions in the United States, announced the Israeli government, amidst escalating tensions between the allies concerning the conflict in Gaza.
Gallant is set to hold meetings with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and other senior officials, according to a statement. “The parties will discuss developments in the war against the Hamas terrorist organisation in Gaza, efforts undertaken to return the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, humanitarian efforts and measures required to ensure regional stability,” it said.
People Also Read: UN Chief to Visit Gaza Border in New Plea for Truce
The visit follows Blinken’s recent tour of the region, during which he cautioned against an Israeli offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, emphasizing that such a move would be a mistake and could further isolate Israel globally. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Friday that Israel was ready to proceed with the Rafah operation independently, without US backing.
Concerns about significant civilian casualties in Rafah persist, with approximately 1.5 million Palestinians seeking refuge there during the conflict sparked by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7. Gallant’s upcoming visit to Washington will mark his first since the outbreak of the conflict.
President Joe Biden announced on Monday that he had urged Netanyahu to send a delegation to Washington to discuss alternatives to a full-scale military intervention in Rafah. A US defense official clarified this week that Gallant’s planned meeting with Austin was distinct from the delegation visit requested by Biden.
People Also Read: Mitch McConnell Backs Biden’s $106bn aid Request for Israel and Ukraine
The October 7 Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of roughly 1,160 people, predominantly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel’s retaliatory military operations aimed at dismantling Hamas have claimed the lives of at least 32,142 individuals in Gaza, with a majority being women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-governed territory.
