Gallant on His Way to the U.S.: I Will Discuss Maintaining Israel's Military Superiority with American Officials

Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, announced on Sunday, March 25, prior to his departure for the United States, that maintaining Israel's military superiority will be a key topic in his meetings with American officials. The Israeli Defense Minister expressed gratitude for the U.S. government's invitation for this 'very important trip,' stating he will meet with the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, as well as the National Security Advisor and the CIA Director. According to Mr. Gallant, the relationship between Israel and the United States, the defeat of Hamas in Gaza, the return of Israeli hostages, and ensuring security for Israel against Gaza and Lebanon will also be focal points of this trip. He further mentioned that he would discuss how to return residents of northern Israel to their homes, either through military means or agreements, with American officials. Immediately following the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, Hezbollah, as the primary proxy group of the Islamic Republic in the region, increased tensions and rocket fire towards northern Israel. As a result of Hezbollah's attacks, which have killed several citizens, including civilians, some residents of northern Israel have evacuated their homes. In response, the Israeli army has conducted heavy strikes against Hezbollah positions and infrastructure in Lebanon and Syria, threatening that if Hezbollah enters the war, all of Lebanon could suffer irreparable damage. Following the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of over 250 others, Israel launched an offensive against Gaza aimed at destroying this Islamic group supported by the Islamic Republic. This offensive has displaced the majority of the 2.3 million population of Gaza, who are in urgent need of food and other basic necessities. Despite the devastating consequences of Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel, officials from this Islamic group have repeatedly emphasized that they will carry out similar attacks if possible. Hamas claims that nearly 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed and about 73,000 others injured, without mentioning the number of its own members killed as a result of Israel's offensive. The Persian section of Voice of America cannot independently verify or confirm the statistics provided by Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel has repeatedly emphasized that Hamas uses Palestinian civilians as human shields. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. The UN Secretary-General stated that land routes are the only effective way to deliver aid to Gaza. Israeli officials: The U.S. has made a new proposal for the release of some Hamas hostages. Israel: At least 170 Palestinian militants have been killed during clashes at Shifa Hospital. Blinken in Tel Aviv; warning about 'Israel's isolation in the world' and Netanyahu's indifference. Russia and China vetoed the U.S. proposed resolution for an 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza. Netanyahu after meeting with Blinken: We will enter Rafah if necessary without U.S. support. The Israeli army claims that 358 members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been arrested at Shifa Hospital.