Israeli defense minister calls Washington ‘pivotal ally’

By Zein Khalil

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israel’s defense minister on Sunday called the United States a “pivotal ally,” highlighting upcoming "critical meetings" in Washington to address the war in Gaza and rising tensions between Tel Aviv and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Yoav Gallant’s statements were made shortly before his departure for Washington on an official visit of unspecified duration, amid a crisis in relations between the government of Benjamin Netanyahu and the administration of US President Joe Biden, as reported by daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

“The meetings with senior (US) government officials are critical for the future of the war,” said Gallant.

“We are prepared for any action that may be required in Gaza, Lebanon, and in additional areas,” he added.

He also stressed that "the United States is our most vital and pivotal ally, and our relations are especially crucial at this time, perhaps more so than ever before."

Netanyahu criticized Washington on Tuesday for withholding weapons and ammunition from Israel.

The White House responded by canceling a strategic meeting with Israel that was scheduled for Thursday, according to Israeli daily Haaretz.

Since the beginning of the war on Gaza on Oct. 7, the US has provided substantial quantities of weapons and ammunition to Israel, according to both American and Israeli sources.

US President Joe Biden previously suspended a limited arms deal with Israel, citing concerns about the protection of civilians.

But his demonstrations of solidarity with Israel and Netanyahu, even if strained in recent months, have angered millions of Americans firmly opposed to Israel’s war on Gaza, including many voters who normally support Biden.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.

More than 37,500 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza, most of them women and children, and nearly 86,000 others injured, according to local health authorities.

More than eight months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, whose latest ruling ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its operation in Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi