Israeli defence minister heads to US for talks on next phase of Gaza war

Scaling back ops in Palestinian enclave would free up forces to take on Hezbollah

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Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant headed to Washington on June 23 to discuss the next phase of the Gaza war and escalating hostilities on the border with Lebanon, where exchanges of fire with Hezbollah have stoked fears of a wider conflict.

Iran-backed Hezbollah began attacking Israel shortly after Hamas’ Oct 7 assault sparked the war in Gaza, and the sides have been trading blows in the months since then. Hezbollah has said it will not stop until there is a ceasefire in Gaza.

“We are prepared for any action that may be required in Gaza, Lebanon, and in more areas,” Mr Gallant said in a statement before setting off for Washington, where he said he would meet his counterpart Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Earlier in June, Hezbollah targeted Israeli towns and military sites with the largest volleys of rockets and drones in the hostilities so far, after an Israeli strike killed the most senior Hezbollah commander yet.

US envoy Amos Hochstein visited Israel and Lebanon last week in an attempt to cool tensions, amid an uptick in cross-border fire and an escalation in rhetoric on both sides. An Israeli soldier was severely wounded on June 23 by a drone strike, the military said.