Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday that his visit to Washington this week would focus on maintaining Israel’s military superiority in the Middle East as fighting rages in Gaza.
Gallant is expected to meet his US counterpart Lloyd Austin and other senior US officials, as relations between the two allies become strained over the civilian impact of Israel’s almost six-month-old war against Hamas militants.
“During my visit, I will focus on preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge and on ways to achieve our common goals: victory over Hamas and returning the hostages home,” Gallant said before departing on Sunday, according to a statement from his office.
Discussions on military capability will cover Israel’s “ability to obtain platforms and munitions,” he said, without elaborating.
Israel is the largest recipient of US foreign military assistance.
US governments have long argued that the aid is needed for their ally to maintain a military advantage in the region.
Gallant’s trip comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s latest tour of the region, during which he warned that an Israeli offensive on the southern Gaza City of Rafah would be a “mistake” that “risks further isolating Israel around the world.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel was prepared to move ahead with the Rafah operation even without US support.
“We will also discuss the need to return Israel’s northern communities to their homes, whether this is achieved via military action or via agreement,” Gallant said.
With AFP
