From the Liveblog of
Monday, March 25, 2024
Netanyahu, Gantz spar over canceled DC trip; premier ‘rejects suggestion’ to visit US
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
A public spat breaks out between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and war cabinet minister — and erstwhile political rival — Benny Gantz in the wake of the former’s decision to cancel a trip for his top aides to Washington, DC, after the Biden administration declined to veto a problematic UN Security Council resolution.
Gantz says not only should the delegation set out for the US, but “it would have been good if the prime minister would travel to the US himself, and hold a direct dialogue with President Biden and senior officials.”
Netanyahu responds in a statement panning Gantz for suggesting the trip take place, especially after Hamas praised the UN Security Council vote calling for a ceasefire without conditioning it on the release of the hostages.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the suggestion,” says his office.
The Times of Israel Community.