In a recent meeting in Washington, Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated the Biden administration’s call for Hamas to agree to a hostage deal that would lead to a temporary cease-fire in Gaza for six weeks. Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel’s War Cabinet and a political rival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was in attendance. Despite objections from Netanyahu, Gantz met with Harris and other top White House officials to discuss the urgency of completing a hostage deal to free more than 100 people believed to be in captivity in Gaza following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The White House also expressed support for a temporary extended cease-fire to facilitate the release of hostages and allow for a surge of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.
Gantz, known for holding hardline views similar to Netanyahu, has shown more openness to compromise on critical issues, including the increased delivery of humanitarian assistance. The meeting between Harris and Gantz comes as the U.S. carried out the first of ongoing airdrops of humanitarian aid into Gaza, highlighting the strained dynamics in the U.S.-Israel relationship. Despite objections from Netanyahu’s party, Gantz proceeded with his meetings in Washington, underscoring a growing divide within Israel’s wartime leadership.
The White House has been advocating for a temporary cease-fire deal in Gaza, which would halt fighting for at least six weeks. Biden faces mounting political pressure over his administration’s handling of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, with concerns rising over the mounting death toll in Gaza. Gantz, who is seen as a political moderate and a potential candidate for prime minister, has been easier to deal with than Netanyahu or other government officials, according to U.S. officials.
As the conflict continues, Gantz’s departure from the government could signal a shift in Israeli politics and efforts to oust Netanyahu’s government. Gantz’s visit to the U.S. aimed to strengthen ties with the U.S., bolster support for Israel’s war efforts, and push for the release of Israeli hostages. The White House reiterated its position on protecting civilians in Gaza and warned against an expanded operation in the city of Rafah without a plan in place.
Overall, the meeting between Harris and Gantz reflects the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of navigating international relations in the midst of ongoing violence.
