Gantz Discusses Iran’s Progress in Nuclear Program With NSA Sullivan

Defense Minister Benny Gantz began his official visit to the U.S. on Wednesday with a meeting with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in the White House.

At the onset of the discussion, Gantz “emphasized the unique bond between the U.S. and Israel, one based both on shared values and mutual interests.”

He thanked Sullivan for the administration and President Joe Biden’s “commitment to the security cooperation between the respective defense establishments.”

Gantz discussed Iran’s “progression in its nuclear program alongside its destabilizing regional activities, and emphasized the need to work closely and prepare for any future scenario.”

“This would be conducted within the framework of Israel’s excellent defense cooperation with the U.S. and growing ties with regional partners,” he underscored.

Gantz stated Tuesday that “one of the lessons of the war in Ukraine is that it is right to exercise economic, political and, if necessary, military force as early as possible, and perhaps in this way to prevent wars. The same is true of the situation we are in with Iran. The price of a possible future war can be prevented or reduced by operating a multi-dimensional pressure campaign, led by the international community. Today, the prices for tackling the Iranian challenge on the global and regional levels are higher than they were a year ago and lower than they will be within a year.”

Gantz also debriefed Sullivan on the recent wave of terror attacks in Israel that has claimed 20 human lives. They discussed Israel’s ongoing operational activities “in face of incitement and terror.” Gantz emphasized that Israel will take the measures necessary to defend its citizens and sovereignty.

He added that Israel’s defense establishment is continuing its policy of promoting confidence-building measures vis-a-vis Palestinian Authority civilians who are not involved with terrorist activity.

Sullivan stated that he had “an excellent meeting” with Gantz, and they discussed “ironclad support for Israel’s security, ways to address Iranian aggression, efforts to lower tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, and support for Ukraine.”

The meeting was attended by Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. Mike Herzog, and the director of the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.