Israeli defence minister heads to Washington Touting importance of ties with US

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant heads to Washington.

Gallant is touting the importance of Israel’s relationship with the United States and saying that the meetings will be decisive for the war, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

“The relationship with the US is more important than ever,” Gallant says in the newly-released statement, filmed shortly before he left for the US.

“The meetings with the senior government officials are critical for the future of the war,” he says.

“During these meetings I plan to discuss developments [on the southern and northern fronts], in Gaza and Lebanon,” he says. “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,” he says.

According to Hebrew media, Gallant is expected to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, CIA Director William Burns and Special Envoy Amos Hochstein.

The main aim of the whirlwind is to get the US to unfreeze a shipment of heavy-duty bombs it has been withholding from Israel.