Top Israeli cabinet official to meet with U.S. leaders in Washington despite Netanyahu's opposition
CBSN
Washington — Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz is set to meet with top leaders in Washington this week, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes it.
Vice President Kamala Harris, national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell are each set to meet Monday with Gantz, who is the chairman of the National Unity Party and a political opponent of Netanyahu. Brett McGurk, the national security council coordinator for the Middle East, is also scheduled to meet with Gantz Monday. On Tuesday, Gantz is expected to have a meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Gantz' visit to Washington is taking place against Netanyahu's will, an Israeli official confirmed to CBS News. The prime minister has ordered Israel's ambassador to the U.S. and the Israeli Embassy to boycott Gantz's meetings with Harris and Sullivan, even though it is customary for the ambassadors to appear with foreign leaders during visits.
