Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held separate meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington, D.C., to discuss Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas.
“After meeting with Secretary Blinken at the U.S. Department of State, we discussed the latest developments in our efforts against Hamas and the necessary military operations to dismantle Hamas both militarily and as a governing authority in Gaza,” Gallant stated.
“I stressed that Israel will continue its operations in Gaza until all hostages are returned. Only through a decisive victory can we bring an end to this conflict,” Gallant emphasized.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says in briefing with reporters that in his meetings with Biden admin officials he discussed the goals of the Gaza war in detail and the importance of close relations.
“We share 100% of the values and 99% of the interests with the U.S.” pic.twitter.com/WM41dzsMVM
— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) March 27, 2024
Excerpts from a statement by Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant before taking his visit to the United States:
“I am traveling to the United States today upon invitation by the U.S. government. This is a very important trip during which I will meet with a series of senior U.S. officials, firstly the Secretary of Defense, as well as the Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, and Director of the CIA.”
“This visit will focus on preserving the qualitative military edge (QME) of the State of Israel, our ability to obtain platforms and munitions, our critical ties with the United States, and the importance of achieving our goals in Gaza – namely defeating the Hamas [terrorist] organization, returning the hostages [home] and ensuring Israel’s security needs as these relate to the Gaza strip and Lebanon.”
“We will also discuss the need to return Israel’s northern communities to their homes – whether this is achieved via military action or via agreement.”
“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the U.S. government and to my friend Secretary Lloyd Austin, for their invitation to the United States during such an important time, in order to preserve the special and important relationship for both our countries.”
Excerpts from a statement by Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant prior to taking an official visit to the United States:
“I am traveling to the United States today upon invitation by the U.S. government. This is a very important trip during which I will meet with a series of… pic.twitter.com/QSKCfNgaq2
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) March 24, 2024
