US pressures Israel’s Benny Gantz for speedier reconstruction in Gaza

Israeli strategy is to link aid and rebuilding to further compromises from Hamas

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, right, and Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz stand for the national anthems of their countries before a meeting at the Pentagon in Washington. AFP

Mr Austin emphasised US support for efforts to build on the ceasefire between Israel and militants in Gaza to establish a lasting peace, the US Department of Defence said. AFP

Mr Austin holds talks with the Israeli delegation led by Mr Gantz. AFP

The US Department of Defence said the meeting aimed to boost co-operation between the countries to address regional security issues. AP

Mr Gantz said curbing the threat from Iran was a 'shared strategic need' of the US, before holding discussions at the Pentagon. EPA

Mr Gantz was expected to ask for $1 billion from the US to replenish Israel's 'Iron Dome' missile defence system after its 11-day conflict with Hamas. EPA

Mr Gantz also held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan during his visit to the US. EPA

The meeting at the Pentagon took place as a coalition of Israeli opposition figures tries to unseat long-term Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Reuters

Mr Austin and Mr Gantz hold talks about two weeks after Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. EPA

Senior US officials put pressure on Israel's Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday, urging the country to allow for faster reconstruction and delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Mr Gantz held meetings with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Washington.

They called for Israel to speed up the process to allow aid into the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave.

Mr Gantz repeated Israel's position of “a combination between moving forward with construction and making sure that everything stays secure".

US and diplomatic sources told The National that Washington and Cairo had agreed on the need to move quickly to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Israeli government has been dragging its feet, the sources said, trying to link the aid to a prisoner release deal with Hamas.

But Israel has so far failed to convince the US and the two issues are being dealt with separately, the sources said.

Egypt took a central role in mediating last month's ceasefire in Gaza and leading efforts for reconstruction.

Abbas Kamel, Egypt’s intelligence chief, held high-level talks in Israel and Gaza this week.

Cairo is also working to promote reconciliation within Palestine between Hamas and Fatah. Delegations from both groups are expected to travel to Egypt next week.

Egypt's role was praised by US officials and President Joe Biden has twice spoken to Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah El Sisi since the ceasefire was agreed.

This week, Axios reported that 17 Democratic senators had written to Mr Blinken “urging him to press Israel to allow materials needed for reconstruction and humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip”.

The enclave has been under a blockade since 2007 and Israel has to approve the entry of goods and aid to the area.

In their meetings with Mr Gantz, US officials continued to give priority to Israel’s security.

Mr Blinken and Mr Sullivan stressed the Biden administration's commitment to strengthening all aspects of the US-Israel security partnership, including support for the Iron Dome.

Israel is seeking $1 billion in replenishment for its missile defence system.