Blinken to talk to Gallant of need for ‘robust, realistic’ plan for Gaza governance

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will emphasize to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant the importance of Israel developing a “robust and realistic” plan for the governance of Gaza once the war is over, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says.

Blinken and Gallant are currently meeting at the State Department.

Miller says the US has been advancing “day after” plans with its Arab allies, but asserts that it is critical Israel conduct some of this work on its own as well.

He acknowledges that Israel has been slightly more focused on the issue more recently, as it nears the completion of its intensive military activity in Gaza. However, Miller insists that Israel has not done enough on this and again warns that failure to do so will leave Israel to choose between re-occupying Gaza or a state of chaos where Hamas will be able to reassert control.

Speaking at a press briefing, Miller says Blinken will also discuss with Gallant, who is visiting Washington this week and meeting with senior US officials, the need to avoid further escalation of the Gaza conflict and to improve humanitarian aid access.