Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has put off his scheduled visit to the United States amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
Deputy Press Secretary of the US Defense Department Sabrina Singh said on Tuesday that Gallant “will be postponing his trip” to Washington. He was scheduled to have talks with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday.
Asked about the reason, she said, “You’d have to speak to the Israelis on that one.”
The two defense chiefs were expected to discuss details of Israel’s possible retaliation against Iran for its large-scale missile attack last week.
Israeli media outlet Haaretz reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed Gallant’s trip to the US “by insisting on a phone call” with President Joe Biden before the defense minister’s departure, citing some sources.
It also said, “The sources indicated that Netanyahu is also insisting that the security cabinet approve the planned military action in Iran prior to Gallant’s departure.”
Biden has indicated that Israel has the right to retaliate. But he is opposed to Israel striking Iran’s nuclear and is also seeking restraint about launching attacks on oil facilities.
Haaretz said the postponement is “likely to further strain relations” between the US and Israel.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Tuesday that he called for immediate ceasefires in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip again.
Guterres said: “We are on the verge of an all-out war in Lebanon, with already devastating consequences. But there is still time to stop.”
He went on to say, “The sovereignty and integrity of all countries must be respected.”
The UN chief also expressed deep concern about rapidly deteriorating situations in the Middle East.
He said, “Every airstrike, every missile launch, every rocket fired, pushes peace further out of reach and makes the suffering even worse for the millions of civilians caught in the middle.”