The United States by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has been postponed, signaling rising tensions not only between Israel and Iran but also within Israel’s own government. The trip, originally planned for Wednesday, was set to focus on strengthening cooperation between the two allies amid growing regional threats, particularly from Iran. However, last-minute objections from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have delayed the talks, raising questions about Israel’s internal political unity and the future of its strategy toward Iran.
A U.S. Defense Department spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that the visit has been put on hold, without providing a rescheduled date. The postponement follows an Iranian ballistic missile attack that has escalated tensions across the Middle East, forcing Israel and the U.S. to weigh their responses carefully. Although Netanyahu’s office has not officially commented on the decision, an unnamed Israeli official indicated that the prime minister demanded the Israeli security cabinet meet first to discuss a comprehensive Iran plan before Gallant’s trip.
This move comes amid a strained relationship between Netanyahu and Gallant, who have disagreed over several key issues, including the ongoing war in Gaza and the broader handling of Israel’s security. Gallant, who has been a prominent figure in military decision-making, has frequently clashed with Netanyahu’s approach to foreign policy and national defense. The latest internal friction highlights a divide within Israel’s leadership at a critical juncture, when coordinated action is essential in light of Iran’s aggression and the multi-front conflict Israel faces.
Netanyahu’s insistence on delaying Gallant’s departure until after further discussions with his cabinet, and likely with U.S. President Joe Biden, underscores his cautious approach to any potential military engagement with Iran. It appears that Netanyahu is not ready to commit to any unilateral action without first building a consensus both within his government and with the U.S. administration.
Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh emphasized that discussions between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gallant remain ongoing, and the postponement does not reflect any weakening of the relationship between the two countries. “Austin and Gallant are in touch frequently, and a call could be scheduled later this week,” Singh told reporters.
Both the U.S. and Israel view Iran’s recent missile attacks as a serious escalation, although their strategies on how to respond diverge in certain respects. Biden has urged restraint, particularly when it comes to striking Iran’s nuclear facilities or oil infrastructure, warning that such actions could ignite a broader regional conflict. Any escalation risks pulling the U.S. into a direct confrontation with Iran, raising energy prices, and disrupting the global economy.
Nevertheless, Israeli officials have made it clear that some form of retaliation is inevitable. Netanyahu, while cautious, has condemned the missile attack as a “big mistake” on Iran’s part. Though the missile salvo caused minimal damage, with one fatality reported in the West Bank, the attack targeted sensitive air bases and sent millions of Israelis into shelters. Israel has vowed a “significant” response, according to Amir Ohana, the speaker of Israel’s parliament, who indicated that retaliation was forthcoming.
Iran, however, remains defiant. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any Israeli attack would be met with a stronger and more powerful response. In a speech on Tuesday, Araghchi said, “We advise Israel not to test our will.” He also announced plans for a regional tour to Saudi Arabia and other countries aimed at drumming up opposition to Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, further complicating the regional dynamics.
The backdrop to these heightened tensions is the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which began a year ago when Hamas militants launched a deadly surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The war has since expanded into Lebanon, where Israel is battling Hezbollah, a powerful Iranian-backed militia that poses a significant threat along Israel’s northern border.
In a concerning escalation, Israel deployed an additional army division into Lebanon this week, intensifying ground operations against Hezbollah. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut and other areas, leading to significant casualties within the group’s leadership. Hezbollah, however, remains defiant, with its deputy chief Naim Qasem stating in a televised address that the group would continue fighting despite Israeli advances. “Our fighters are on the front, we’re solid,” Qasem declared, dismissing Israeli claims of degrading Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that 135 projectiles were launched from Lebanon into Israel on Tuesday, with some targeting the city of Haifa, Israel’s third-largest metropolis. The attack, the largest on Haifa since the conflict began, has raised concerns about further escalation. Israeli military officials have warned civilians in southern Lebanon to avoid the coastline south of the Awali River, signaling that further maritime operations against Hezbollah are likely.
More than 1,500 Lebanese civilians have reportedly been killed in Israeli airstrikes in recent weeks, with around one million displaced. The IDF has suffered casualties as well, with 10 soldiers killed in the Lebanon campaign. Despite these losses, Netanyahu insists that the operation is necessary to protect northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah’s missile attacks and to weaken the group’s ability to threaten Israel in the future.
Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza shows no signs of abating. Hamas, which the U.S. and many of its allies classify as a terrorist organization, continues to launch rocket attacks on Israeli cities, including a barrage targeting Tel Aviv on Monday. While the Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted most of the rockets, the ongoing attacks have kept Israel on high alert. Israel responded with airstrikes targeting key Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, further complicating cease-fire negotiations that have been underway for months.
Attempts by the U.S. to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered. Despite diplomatic efforts, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with no agreement on the horizon. The failure to reach a lasting truce has added to the already volatile situation in the region, with both Israeli and Palestinian civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the conflict.
As fighting continues on multiple fronts, there are growing signs of division within Israel’s political and military leadership. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has publicly criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the situation, particularly in relation to U.S. concerns about escalating tensions with Iran. In a recent interview, Lapid called for Israel to ignore U.S. objections and strike Iranian oil facilities, which he described as Iran’s “Achilles’ heel.” Lapid argued that targeting Iran’s economy could force Tehran to reconsider its support for militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
“The Iranian economy is in a very precarious state,” Lapid told Israeli public broadcaster Kan, advocating for a more aggressive approach. He also suggested that Israel should prioritize its own security interests over the concerns of its U.S. allies. This sentiment reflects a broader hardening of public opinion within Israel, where many view Iran’s missile attack as a direct provocation that demands a firm response. While Netanyahu has so far heeded U.S. advice to avoid direct strikes on Iranian infrastructure, pressure is mounting for a more decisive action.
The delay in Gallant’s visit to Washington highlights the complexity of the situation facing both Israel and the U.S. While Israel is determined to respond to Iran’s provocations, it must balance its actions carefully to avoid triggering a wider regional war. The U.S., on the other hand, is wary of any escalation that could drag it into another Middle East conflict, particularly one that would have significant repercussions for global energy markets.
As Netanyahu and Biden prepare for an expected phone call on Wednesday, the future of Israeli-U.S. cooperation on Iran hangs in the balance. With Israel facing multiple threats from Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran, the stakes could not be higher. Both sides will need to navigate these challenges carefully if they hope to avoid a full-blown regional war.
