Israel has canceled a meeting between Defense Minister Yoav Galan and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin scheduled for Wednesday, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday.
“We have just been informed that Minister Gallant's visit to Washington will be postponed,” Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon deputy spokeswoman, told reporters. “Secretary Austin looks forward to seeing you soon.”
Mr. Austin was scheduled to meet with his Israeli counterpart at the Pentagon on Wednesday as U.S. allies debate how to respond to last week's Iranian attack. Gallant was also scheduled to meet with White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
However, hours before Gallant was to begin his trip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told him that he did not agree to Gallant's visit and that he should wait until the Israeli leader met with President Biden, multiple media reported. I told you. reported. The two sides have not spoken in nearly 50 days amid tensions over Israel's war in the Gaza Strip and the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Netanyahu also postponed his visit to await approval from his political and security cabinet on Israel's action plan against Iran, according to Israel News Agency. N12 News.
The Prime Minister's Office told the media that the move was a normal operational order and that Gallant's visit would be meaningless unless Israel takes a clear decision on Iran.
Singh said he was aware of the reports and “doesn't get involved in Israeli politics.”
Asked whether the cancellation would affect Israel's response to the Iranian attack, Singh said he did not intend to speak for Israel or its operations.
“We can certainly communicate in person or by phone,” she said, adding that Austin had not spoken to Gallant on Tuesday, but added, “It's still too early. ” he added. ”
He added that Washington continues to consult with the Israeli side on what its response to Tehran will be.
The Biden administration has sought to distance Israel from attacks on Iran that would raise the possibility of a broader regional war, and Mr. Biden opposes attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities or oil fields.
But just a week ago, Iran launched 180 missiles into Lebanon in response to Israel's invasion of Lebanon and the killing of the supreme leader of the militant group Hezbollah, a valued ally of Tehran. Some kind of reaction from Israel is expected.
After news broke of Gallant's trip cancellation, Israel's National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying his actions “undermine the country's security at a critical time.” . . Due to personal and political considerations. ”
Gantz said, “If the prime minister prioritized Israel's security as his top priority, he would send the defense minister,'' and “I coordinated the message with the defense minister.'' Statement regarding X.
