Israel's Defense Minister pushes for aid at Pentagon

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – In the course of a rising rift between President Joe Biden and the Israeli authorities, Tuesday Israeli Protection Minister Yoav Gallant sat down with U.S. Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin on the Pentagon to attempt to speak via disagreements over the best way to defeat Hamas.

Forward of the assembly, Secretary Austin emphasised the necessity to dramatically surge assist into Gaza by land and sea and famous the humanitarian disaster is rising.

“Gaza is struggling a humanitarian disaster and the scenario is getting even worse,” mentioned Austin.

He additionally warned in opposition to Israel’s plan to invade the town of Rafah with out protections for the greater than one million Palestinian refugees trapped there.

Gallant instructed Austin that the threats in opposition to his nation are rising, citing assaults from seven completely different fronts. He pressured the necessity for the U.S. to provide extra navy assist to Israel to forestall a broader battle.

“As I sit right here within the Pentagon, Hamas chief is assembly with Iran management,” mentioned Gallant including, “The image is evident.”

The Protection Division says it believes Gallant was receptive to U.S. issues: nonetheless, the Biden administration has but to put out penalties if Israel ignores its warnings and invades Rafah.

Tuesday State Division spokesperson Matthew Miller instructed reporters, “Let’s take this one step at a time.”

Gallant met Monday with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and can be anticipated to sit down down with CIA Director William Burns to debate ongoing negotiations on a ceasefire and efforts to rescue hostages.