Netanyahu, Gantz spar over canceled DC trip; premier ‘rejects suggestion’ to visit US

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz at a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, October 28, 2023. (Abir Sultan/ Pool Photo via AP)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz at a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, October 28, 2023. (Abir Sultan/ Pool Photo via AP)

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.

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