Netanyahu Calls Off Defense Minister’s Trip to the US
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blocked Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s planned trip to Washington. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The Israeli Prime Minister has emphasized the need to confer with President Joe Biden to formulate a response to Iran’s attack, according to various media reports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has prevented Defense Minister Yoav Gallant from traveling to the United States, as confirmed by the Pentagon. Reports from several media outlets suggest this decision was made to allow Netanyahu to speak with President Biden first.
Gallant's planned visit to Washington was intended to discuss Israel's retaliation strategy following Iran's launch of over 180 ballistic missiles at targets in Israel. This assault was purportedly a response to the assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The defense minister had been set to depart for the US on Tuesday, but the Prime Minister postponed the trip at the last moment, as reported by Axios. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that Gallant had canceled his trip, though specific reasons were not disclosed.
According to Axios, unidentified Israeli officials stated that Netanyahu informed Gallant that his travel would not be sanctioned until the Prime Minister had a phone conversation with President Biden and the Israeli security cabinet determined a course of action regarding the Iranian attack. Similar information was shared by sources with the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
Reports indicate that Netanyahu has been attempting to organize a call with the US president since the missile attack occurred the previous Tuesday. An informed source mentioned to the Times of Israel that the conversation could potentially happen later that day.
Netanyahu's decision to prevent Gallant from traveling to the US is seen as “another sign of the tension” between the Prime Minister and the defense minister, whom Netanyahu has attempted to dismiss twice in the past two years, according to Axios.
Haaretz noted that Washington is “surprised” to see “some figures” in Israel politicizing Gallant’s upcoming US visit. The Israeli publication suggested that the defense minister’s trip was partially aimed at addressing “the existing crisis of trust” between the US and the Israeli government, warning that its postponement could worsen relations between the two allies.
Last week, President Biden publicly cautioned Israel against targeting Iranian nuclear and oil facilities as part of a potential retaliatory measure. Gallant stated on CNN that “everything is on the table” regarding target selection.
Israeli Kan broadcaster reported that Washington has offered Israel a “compensation package” involving “diplomatic protection” and additional weapon supplies if it heeds the US president's advice.
Meanwhile, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Iran’s military has prepared multiple scenarios in preparation for responding to any Israeli attack. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi declared on Tuesday that Tehran is “not afraid of war” and is fully prepared for one.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has prevented Defense Minister Yoav Gallant from traveling to the United States, as confirmed by the Pentagon. Reports from several media outlets suggest this decision was made to allow Netanyahu to speak with President Biden first.
Gallant's planned visit to Washington was intended to discuss Israel's retaliation strategy following Iran's launch of over 180 ballistic missiles at targets in Israel. This assault was purportedly a response to the assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The defense minister had been set to depart for the US on Tuesday, but the Prime Minister postponed the trip at the last moment, as reported by Axios. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that Gallant had canceled his trip, though specific reasons were not disclosed.
According to Axios, unidentified Israeli officials stated that Netanyahu informed Gallant that his travel would not be sanctioned until the Prime Minister had a phone conversation with President Biden and the Israeli security cabinet determined a course of action regarding the Iranian attack. Similar information was shared by sources with the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
Reports indicate that Netanyahu has been attempting to organize a call with the US president since the missile attack occurred the previous Tuesday. An informed source mentioned to the Times of Israel that the conversation could potentially happen later that day.
Netanyahu's decision to prevent Gallant from traveling to the US is seen as “another sign of the tension” between the Prime Minister and the defense minister, whom Netanyahu has attempted to dismiss twice in the past two years, according to Axios.
Haaretz noted that Washington is “surprised” to see “some figures” in Israel politicizing Gallant’s upcoming US visit. The Israeli publication suggested that the defense minister’s trip was partially aimed at addressing “the existing crisis of trust” between the US and the Israeli government, warning that its postponement could worsen relations between the two allies.
Last week, President Biden publicly cautioned Israel against targeting Iranian nuclear and oil facilities as part of a potential retaliatory measure. Gallant stated on CNN that “everything is on the table” regarding target selection.
Israeli Kan broadcaster reported that Washington has offered Israel a “compensation package” involving “diplomatic protection” and additional weapon supplies if it heeds the US president's advice.
Meanwhile, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Iran’s military has prepared multiple scenarios in preparation for responding to any Israeli attack. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi declared on Tuesday that Tehran is “not afraid of war” and is fully prepared for one.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
