DM Gallant postpones trip to US after Netanyahu imposes conditions for travel, including phone call with Biden

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant postponed his trip to the United States due to conditions set by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to reports in Hebrew media. 

Gallant was invited to Washington, D.C., to meet with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to discuss Israel’s plans for a strike on Iran. 

Netanyahu spoke with Gallant on Tuesday night, reportedly telling him he would not approve his visit to Washington at this stage.

The prime minister told Gallant that he first plans to hold a conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden. After that, he said the Security Cabinet would need to reach a decision about Israel's response to Iran. 

The conversation between the two Israeli leaders took place several hours before Gallant's scheduled departure to Washington. 

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) explained that there was no reason for Gallant's trip until an official decision had been made by the Cabinet regarding its planned actions against Iran. After the decision is made, Gallant could discuss the plan with the U.S. officials, according to the PMO. 

The defense minister had planned a day-long visit to the United States after receiving an official invitation from the Pentagon shortly before Rosh Hashanah. Gallant was also scheduled to meet with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan for coordination talks about Iran. These meetings will be rescheduled. 

According to reports in Ynet and The Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu was concerned the U.S. administration would try to arrange the details of Israel's response without his input and that Gallant would get credit for any operation. 

Ynet quoted a “source familiar with the situation” who said, “There is a Cabinet that has to decide on policy regarding Iran. Gallant received an invitation from the Americans and approved his arrival before receiving authorization from the prime minister.” 

“There is a prime minister here, and certainly the policy of response will not be determined between Austin and Gallant,” the source said. “Everyone knows what the Americans want – and we don't have to beg them for permission to attack Iran after what it did to us. This is not an event by a defense minister but by a Cabinet and prime minister who are managing the event.”

The source explained that although Gallant informed Netanyahu of the invitation, the prime minister stated there was no need for the trip until he spoke with Biden.

The relationship between Netanyahu and the Biden administration has been marked by tensions and disagreements since the Israeli coalition came to power at the beginning of 2023. 

While Netanyahu and Biden are expected to speak later on Wednesday, it will be the first phone call in almost a month and a half. Biden also delayed inviting Netanyahu to Washington for an official visit for months after Netanyahu returned to office. 

Despite a general agreement between U.S. defense concerns in the Middle East and Israeli security concerns, the two have also often appeared to be at odds regarding Israel’s activities in the region. 

The U.S. was reportedly frustrated over Israel’s decision to kill Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah while it was attempting to pursue a ceasefire agreement. According to a report in the Washington Post, Gallant only notified Defense Secretary Austin moments after the bombs were dropped, giving the U.S. no time to prepare. 

Analysts in Israeli media have noted that the distrust goes both ways. Netanyahu has reportedly delayed informing Washington about several recent operations after senior administration officials appeared to give warnings of the planned operations, enabling Israel’s enemies a chance to prepare. 

The Post claimed that the Biden administration prefers to work with Gallant, believing he is more responsive to U.S. interests and concerns. Gallant and Austin have communicated frequently throughout the Gaza War. 

Both U.S. and Israeli government sources have called the Post's article "fake news."

The U.S. official told Ynet that the delay in Biden's conversation with Netanyahu was due to the need to deal with the hurricane in the southern U.S. and prior travel engagements.