Defense Minister Bnei Gantz Meet today (Thursday) with the U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin And with the Chief of the U.S. National Security Staff. During the meetings with the two, it emerged that the issue that worries the United States the most today is the issue of Ukraine. In response, Ganz presented Israel’s policy and stressed that it allows for support for Ukraine and maintaining the stability of the region.
Another issue that has come up is the problematic nature of the current blasts on the Iranian nuclear deal and its implications, as it appears that the Revolutionary Guards will remain on the list of terrorist organizations in the United States. During the meeting that he leads the process, and knows him personally.
Ganz, for his part, stressed the parallel between the need to unite on the issue of Ukraine, and the Iranian aspect. At the same time, it emerged in the meetings that the Americans are planning to deepen their relations with the Gulf states, and see themselves as leading the “regional architecture”. At the same time, Israel sees itself as part of the power of the United States, in the region and will act with it in combination in this context – something that has led to American appreciation of Israel.
Russian army bombing school in Ukraine (Photo: Reuters)
Another issue that came up during the meetings was the Palestinian issue, with the Americans concerned about the situation. They expressed sorrow and condemned the recent attacks, recalling what happened during the funeral procession of journalist Sheerin Abu Akala, and the need to take a step back in confidence-building steps with the Palestinian Authority.
The Minister of Defense told them that Israel would continue to act against the terrorist organizations in a focused but uncompromising manner, and that in the long run this would lead to more stability and allow the moves to continue with the Palestinians. As mentioned, both meetings were very hot, with the meeting with Austin also including his personal meeting with Ganz.
Along with Ganz, the meeting was also attended by the head of the Political Security Division, Dror Shalom, the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Mike Herzog, and the Military Secretary to the Minister of Defense, Brigadier General Yaki Dolph.