Gallant Visits Washington To Discuss Israel-Hamas War, Hezbollah Threat
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant traveled to Washington on Sunday to discuss the next steps in the Gaza conflict and the growing tensions on the Lebanon border, where exchanges of fire with Hezbollah have raised fears of a broader conflict.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been exchanging fire with Israel since the Gaza war began over eight months ago. The group insists it will continue until there is a cease-fire in Gaza. Gallant stated, “We are prepared for any action that may be required in Gaza, Lebanon, and in more areas,” before leaving for Washington to meet with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Earlier in June, Hezbollah launched its largest attack yet on Israeli towns and military sites with rockets and drones, following an Israeli strike that killed a senior Hezbollah commander. US envoy Amos Hochstein visited Israel and Lebanon last week to ease tensions amid increased cross-border fire and heightened rhetoric.
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Some Israeli officials have connected their ongoing operations targeting Hamas in Rafah, the Gazan city bordering Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, to potential actions in Lebanon. Gallant seemed to affirm this link, stating, “The transition to Phase C in Gaza is of great importance. I will discuss this transition with US officials.”
Reducing operations in Gaza could free up Israeli forces to confront Hezbollah if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive or intensify aerial attacks. The final phase of Israel’s Gaza offensive focuses on stabilizing the area after Hamas’ defeat and beginning reconstruction.
Gallant, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, has called for a clear postwar plan for Gaza that does not leave Israel in control, a view shared by the White House. Netanyahu is balancing demands from the defense establishment and far-right coalition partners who oppose any strategy that could lead to a Palestinian state.
Yuli Edelstein, head of Israel’s parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, noted the complexity of fighting Hezbollah now or later. He also criticized Netanyahu’s recent video accusing the Biden Administration of withholding weapons from Israel, which led to tensions with the White House.
