Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant not to depart for the United States as planned. Gallant was scheduled to meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday, but the trip has been postponed.
The decision to cancel the trip was met with criticism from Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz, who expressed concern that it could harm the country's security. Gantz emphasized the importance of prioritizing Israel's security and suggested that the prime minister should have allowed the defense minister to travel and coordinate messages with him.
Netanyahu's directive to postpone the trip comes amid escalating tensions in the region and ongoing security concerns. The Israeli defense ministry has been contacted for further comment on the situation.
It remains to be seen whether the meeting between Gallant and Austin will be rescheduled or if alternative arrangements will be made to address the issues that were to be discussed during the planned visit.
