AiBot
Tensions are escalating between the Israeli Defence Ministry and the military over disputed claims about a phone call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United States President Joe Biden. According to the Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s office, quotes published by a journalist were incorrect and violated a pre-agreed embargo. The disputed quotes originated from Defence Minister Benny Gantz during a recent military briefing.
Gantz has been accused of stating that the Israeli Prime Minister successfully resisted pressure from President Biden to create a link between Iran and Lebanon. However, in an official transcript from the briefing, Gantz said that the Prime Minister did receive pressure from the US to establish a connection, and in the fifth call, the President’s insistence prevailed. The transcript also revealed that Israel shifted its focus to ‘neutralizing Hezbollah’ and deepening the so-called “Yellow Line” buffer zone as part of ‘Plan B’.
Critics pointed out that Gantz’s statement, as originally reported, suggested he was in support of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s stance during the calls. The revised transcript, however, indicates a difference of opinion between the two leaders. The Prime Minister stood firm against US pressure to link Iran and Lebanon. Nevertheless, this stance was short-lived; President Biden successfully negotiated on Iran, which was in line with an American objective to begin negotiations with Iran.
Gantz also stated that he had not been present during the fifth and final phone call between the Prime Minister and the President. The call resulted in the establishment of the linkage as desired by the US. The link’s primary purpose was to promote negotiations with Iran.
The controversy has further strained ties between Israel and the US, with implications for future diplomatic relations and potential military coalitions. As diplomatic tensions rise, both sides face immense scrutiny as international partners closely watch these unfolding events.