In a deviation from the previous actions of Israel, the nation’s Defense Minister said that Israel will do less “provoking” of the United States and its allies through media and social media, particularly in relation to US effort to renegotiate a nuclear deal with Iran, the Associated Press reports.
Meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that Israel values US support and will endeavor to keep communications channels open so the US and Israel can discuss developments.
“Our dialogue is so important to ensuring that any deal effectively meets its goal of keeping Iran away from nuclear weapons,” Gantz said. “Of course, given the scope of the threat, Israel must always make sure that it has the ability to protect itself.”
With a new coalition administration expected to oust current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gantz’s statements supports the diplomatic strategy of US President Joe Biden, who promotes “quiet diplomacy” when dealing with Israel and other nations in the Middle East, unlike his predecessor, who frequently announced foreign policy over Twitter.
“We will continue this important strategic dialogue in private discussion … only, not in the media in a provoking way,” Gantz said, calling for “open dialogue behind closed doors.”
During his trip to Washington, Gantz also met with national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Gantz is part of the coalition pushing to unseat Netanyahu, and he is expected to remain in his post as defense minister if the government changes.