Israeli defence chief says 'military edge' at centre of US trip
by AFP Staff Writers
Jerusalem (AFP) Mar 24, 2024

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday his visit to Washington this week would focus on maintaining Israel's military superiority in the Middle East, as fighting rages in Gaza.

Gallant is expected to meet his US counterpart Lloyd Austin and other senior US officials, as relations between the two allies become strained over the civilian impact of Israel's almost six-month-old war against Hamas militants.

"During my visit, I will focus on preserving Israel's qualitative military edge and on ways to achieve our common goals: victory over Hamas and returning the hostages home," Gallant said before departing on Sunday, according to a statement from his office.

Discussions on military capability will cover Israel's "ability to obtain platforms and munitions", he said, without elaborating.

Israel is the largest recipient of US foreign military assistance.

US governments have long argued that the aid is needed for its ally to maintain a military advantage in the region.

Gallant's visit will be his first to Washington since Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.

The attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign to destroy Hamas has killed at least 32,226 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

Gallant's trip comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's latest tour of the region during which he warned that an Israeli offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah would be a "mistake" that "risks further isolating Israel around the world".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel was prepared to move ahead with the Rafah operation even without US support.

There are widespread fears of mass civilian casualties in Rafah where around 1.5 million Palestinians have sought refuge from the fighting.

Since October, Israel has also engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire across its northern border with Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced on both sides, and Gallant said this would be on the agenda in Washington.

"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," Gallant said.

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