Netanyahu bans Gallant from meeting US officials: Israeli media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli Media
24 Aug 2023 14:40
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The Israeli Security Minister's visit to the United States will not involve meetings with any officials because of Netanyahu's ban on ministers engaging with US officials in Washington until he receives an invitation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a cabinet meeting at the prime minister's office in occupied al-Quds, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023 (Pool Photo via AP)

Israeli media reported today, Thursday, that Yoav Galant, the Israeli Security Minister traveled to the United States of America early Thursday morning. It is noteworthy that this trip left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu out.

According to the Israeli news website Ynet, Galant's visit to the United States will not involve meetings with any officials, and this is attributed to Netanyahu's ban on ministers engaging in professional meetings in Washington until he receives an invitation.

The primary purpose of Galant's visit, as per Ynet, is to participate in a donation ceremony that aims to benefit both regular and reserve soldiers of the Israeli military, according to Israeli media.

The article suggests that Galant might have the opportunity to meet with Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, as well as ambassadors from Security Council countries. It's also mentioned that Galant could provide a security briefing, although the details of this briefing are not specified.

The newspaper anticipates that discussions during the visit might touch upon the escalating tensions with Lebanon concerning the extension of the mandate for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The Israeli Prime Minister stressed that the question about why he is not visiting Washington should be directed to US President Joe Biden, stressing that this didn't impede close contact and cooperation between the two.

Netanyahu's stance on this issue has been quite clear in the past. He emphasized Israeli autonomy in decision-making and suggested that Israeli choices are not influenced by external pressures, even from close allies. Similarly, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir conveyed a similar sentiment, asserting the Israeli status as an independent nation.

Overall, the situation highlights the evolving dynamics between the two parties and suggests that the established relationship between Washington and Tel Aviv is experiencing notable changes.

Biden mentioned that back in March had no intention of inviting Netanyahu to the White House in the near future. He expressed concerns regarding judicial amendments and the resulting protests and violent incidents in occupied Palestine.

Netanyahu responded at the time, stating that "Israel makes its decisions according to the will of its settlers, and not based on external pressures, including our close friends."

It's worth noting that the relationship between Washington and Tel Aviv has been deteriorating, as reported by both Israeli and US media. The Foreign Policy, moreover, stated that the traditional relationship between the United States and "Israel" seems to be undergoing a significant shift.