Pentagon Visit Axed Amid Israeli-Iran Tensions

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant canceled his Pentagon visit as tensions with Iran escalate. Prime Minister Netanyahu halted the trip, awaiting a call with U.S. President Biden. The decision follows Iran's recent missile attack on Israel. Diplomatic solutions are sought to prevent broader conflict.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant unexpectedly canceled a visit to the Pentagon on Wednesday, according to the Pentagon's announcement. Reports suggest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to consult U.S. President Joe Biden before the trip. This cancellation highlights rising tensions between Israel and Iran following Tehran's recent missile attack on Israel, the second this year.

The Pentagon refrained from offering further details on Gallant's cancellation, directing inquiries to Israel's defense ministry. Meanwhile, Netanyahu and Gallant's offices did not provide immediate comments. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh mentioned Gallant was postponing his Washington visit. Reports claim Gallant aimed to enhance U.S.-Israel coordination on Iran's threat, but Netanyahu set preconditions, including a Biden call and cabinet approval on responding to Iran. The White House redirected queries regarding the Biden-Netanyahu call to Israeli authorities, with no confirmation yet on whether the call was arranged.

President Biden remarked last Friday that Israel had not finalized its response to Iran and suggested considering non-military options, such as targeting Iranian oil fields. Iran, in turn, cautioned Israel against any retaliation threats and warned Gulf states against permitting the use of their airspace for such actions. Western nations are pushing for diplomacy to avoid inflaming the oil-rich region's unrest.

(With inputs from agencies.)