Vice President Kamala Harris to Meet with Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz in Washington
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to meet with Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet, in Washington on Monday, according to a White House official and a spokesman for Mr. Gantz. The meeting comes at a critical time as the Biden administration faces pressure to help secure a temporary cease-fire and hostage deal in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
During the meeting, Ms. Harris is expected to discuss the urgency of securing a hostage deal to allow for a temporary cease-fire and the need to increase aid into Gaza. The Biden administration is working to reach a deal by the start of Ramadan, which begins around March 10 this year.
Negotiations are ongoing, with Israel reportedly accepting a framework for the deal, putting the ball in Hamas’s court. The proposal could lead to a six-week pause in the fighting and the release of some hostages and prisoners. The United States has already delivered its first airdrop of food into Gaza amid warnings of a looming famine.
Ms. Harris will also address the American commitment to increasing aid to Gaza, including more airdrops of food. She plans to emphasize the importance of reducing civilian casualties and express concern for the safety of displaced Palestinians in Rafah, southern Gaza.
The meeting will also touch on Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas and postwar plans to rebuild Gaza under the Palestinian Authority. Mr. Gantz is scheduled to meet separately with Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, and members of Congress and pro-Israeli lobbyists.
It remains unclear whether Mr. Gantz’s visit has the full backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the two men come from different parties. However, Mr. Gantz’s office stated that he had updated the prime minister on his visit to coordinate talking points.
The meeting between Vice President Harris and Mr. Gantz underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts to address the escalating crisis in the region and work towards a lasting peace agreement.
