Gantz to Meet VP Harris in Washington

By Yoni Weiss

Minister Benny Gantz is scheduled to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Monday, amid current tensions between the Israeli government and the Biden administration.

In addition to these meetings, Gantz will engage with both Republican and Democratic members of Congress, as well as senior figures from the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Following these discussions, the war cabinet member, former IDF chief-of-staff, and defense minister will make diplomatic stops in the U.K. on his way back to Israel.

Having notified Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of his departure plans on Friday, Gantz departed on Motzoei Shabbos.

Despite Netanyahu not having visited Washington since assuming office in December 2022, Gantz’s visit serves as a crucial communication link between Israeli politicians and the U.S. government. Recent polls indicate that Gantz’s National Unity party is currently the most popular in Israel, projected to win 41 Knesset seats compared to Likud’s 18 if elections were held at this time.

Gantz’s agenda includes discussions on a hostage deal, a potential normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia post-Gaza war, and a security arrangement to prevent Hezbollah attacks from Lebanon. He will also address the ongoing IDF military operation in Gaza, strengthening the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States, and advocating for the continuation of American military aid.