Israel's defense minister cancels visit to Washington, Pentagon says

9/10/2024 7:14

        Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has canceled a Wednesday visit to the Pentagon, the Pentagon said, as Israeli media reported Prime Minister Benjamin
        Netanyahu wanted first to speak with U.S. President Joe Biden.
        
        The surprise cancellation on Tuesday comes amid soaring tensions between Israel and Iran as Israel weighs options to respond to Tehran's missile attack last week, its second this year against Israel.
        
        The Pentagon declined to say why Gallant canceled his visit, and referred reporters to Israel's ministry of defense. Offices for Netanyahu and Gallant did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
        
        "We were just informed that Minister Gallant will be postponing his trip to Washington," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told a news briefing.
        
        Israel's Ynet news outlet reported that Gallant had hoped his U.S. visit would strengthen coordination on Iran but hours before departure, Netanyahu set two preconditions: the call with Biden and cabinet approval of the response to Iran.