'Obstacles were removed, bottlenecks were addressed' - Israeli DM Gallant summarizes US trip
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan at the White House on Wednesday to discuss Gaza developments and ongoing efforts to finalize a ceasefire and hostage-release deal.
“Today, I complete a very important visit to the United States as the official representative of the State of Israel and Israel’s Defense Establishment,” Gallant said.
Gallant also met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The Israeli defense minister noted that “during the meetings we made significant progress, obstacles were removed and bottlenecks were addressed, in order to advance a variety of issues, and more specifically the topic of force build-up and munition supply that we must bring to the State of Israel.”
Gallant also confirmed the Israeli government’s support for Biden’s three-stage ceasefire proposal, which the UN Security Council and several countries have endorsed.
“We stand firmly behind the President’s deal, which Israel has accepted, and now Hamas must accept – or bear the consequences.”
Gallant emphasized Israel remains committed to bringing the hostages home and defending the Jewish state against its adversaries, specifying that it is fighting a war against the Iranian regime and its terror proxies.
“Let it be known that our war is not with the people of Gaza. Our war is not with the people of Lebanon. Our war is against Hamas, Hezbollah, and their backer – the Iranian regime.”
Held an important discussion with NSA @JakeSullivan46 on strategic issues and critical cooperation.Made significant progress in addressing force build-up and supply to Israel.
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) June 26, 2024
Thank you Mr.Sullivan for your leadership and true friendship.
The U.S. and Israel stand together. pic.twitter.com/TykEA3A0m1
During the White House meeting, Gallant and Sullivan also discussed Israel’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of its citizens to their homes in the north. Gallant stated this would be achieved by “changing the security reality in the area, as well as the important cooperation between Israel and the United States vis-à-vis Iranian aggression and its nuclear ambitions.”
He continued: “Since Hamas’ brutal attack, the United States has stood by Israel. This includes working together in facing the Iranian assault mid-April. We appreciate the support we have received – both overt and covert. It reinforces our shared commitments and reflects a simple truth: Our nations are tied by shared interests and, more importantly, values.”
Gallant went on to highlight “the powerful and enduring bond” between the U.S. and Israel, despite disagreements.
“I am standing here in Washington as Israel’s Minister of Defense to say the following: In every family – and we consider the American people our family – disagreements may arise. Yet like all families, we discuss our disagreements in-house and remain united.”
Sullivan and Gallant also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“We are committed, and I am personally committed to facilitating the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Gallant confirmed. “We only fight those who are seeking to harm us.”
The Israeli defense minister thanked the U.S. administration and the American public for their enduring support for Israel, stating, “Together, let’s move forward with strength and compassion.”
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The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
