Statements from the US State Department or the White House

Israel's Netanyahu Orders Defense Minister Gallant to Postpone U.S. Trip Until Biden Call

Oct 8, 2024, 05:41 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to postpone his trip to the United States. The trip, scheduled for Thursday, was to take place at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Netanyahu's directive comes with the condition that U.S. President Joe Biden must first have a phone conversation with him. This move has created a crisis within the Israeli cabinet and has put Gallant's planned meetings in Washington at risk. The delay occurs as the U.S. awaits clarity on Israel's plans regarding Iran. Netanyahu reportedly told Gallant, 'Don't go to Washington until Biden talks to me!' according to Israel's Channel 13 and N12News.