March 6, 2024 (EIRNS)—Israeli war cabinet member and leader of the National Unity party, Benny Gantz met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on March 5, capping off a two-day visit by Gantz to Washington, where he met with Vice President Kamala Harris and other White House officials. According to a State Department readout, Blinken delivered the same message to Gantz, as had Harris et al., including “the importance of reaching an agreement to achieve the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, which would lead to a temporary ceasefire and allow additional humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza” and “Israel must take urgent steps to expand the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid, including by opening additional crossings.” He also “underscored the need for a credible and implementable humanitarian plan prior to any major military operation in Rafah, given the risks to civilians”, and “stressed that the United States supports steps to advance enduring peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike”.
Gantz also met with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin
Gantz will be in London today where he will meet with British foreign minister David Cameron.
The Times of Israel reports that US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Tuesday at a press briefing that while the US supports Israel’s military objective of defeating Hamas, this is insufficient on its own.
