Heading to US, Gallant says meetings 'critical for future of war'
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Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth discusses the visit of the Israeli Minister of Security to the United States, highlighting that this visit will focus on four main issues.
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"Israel's" Security Minister, Yoav Galant, attends a weekly cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in occupied al-Quds on January 15, 2023. (AP)
Israeli media reported on Sunday that Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant went to the United States against the backdrop of developments in the North with Hezbollah, and for fear of a comprehensive war with it and the ammunition crisis.
Yossi Yehoshua, a military affairs analyst for Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, said that Gallant's important visit to the United States has one main goal, "to calm the Americans."
According to the Israeli newspaper, an upcoming summit will gather Security Minister Gallant, Ministry of Security Director General Major General Eyal Zamir, and Deputy Chief of Staff Amir Baram, with US officials.
The meeting is driven by developments in the northern front involving Hezbollah, concerns about a potential all-out war, and a critical ammunition shortage worsened by delayed US arms shipments that "Israel" urgently needs for this war, as reported by the newspaper.
Only one shipment halted
It is noteworthy that the United States halted only one shipment and indicated that it is reconsidering its decision, while the delivery of other shipments is ongoing, as confirmed by American officials.
In a readout, Gallant’s office said he would “discuss the operations necessary to achieve the goals of the war against the Hamas terrorist organization, efforts to ensure the return of the hostages held by Hamas, and measures required to achieve regional stability.”
“He will also raise the unique areas of cooperation between the US and Israeli defense establishments, with an emphasis on force build-up efforts and power projection, while maintaining Israel’s qualitative edge in the region,” the statement said.
Israeli security officials revealed, “We were very close to releasing the arms shipment, until Netanyahu’s video in which he attacked the Biden administration,” adding that it would have been better to discuss the issue behind closed doors.
The officials indicated that the visit will focus on four issues. Firstly, Baram will review the results of the operation in Rafah and the transition to the "third phase" of the fighting in Gaza. Secondly, the discussion will address the situation in the Lebanese arena, concerning Hezbollah. They pointed out that Gallant and Baram are expected to convey to the Americans that "Israel" is not interested in escalating the war further north.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the third issue to be discussed in the meetings with the Americans is related to the weapons that the Israeli military requires. The newspaper also explained that the fourth issue, which has not garnered as much attention in the headlines, is Iran's nuclear program.
