Ben Gurion Airport, Israel – US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is on a regional tour, landed in Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday for a visit that was promptly rescheduled due to a surge in street protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the judiciary.
The protests against the reforms have spread in recent weeks forcing even the Israeli president Isaac Herzog to call for their rollback. The reforms are seen as posing significant risks to Israeli economy. Credit rating agency Moody’s warned on Tuesday that if the proposed reforms are passed by Israel’s government, the country’s credit rating outlook may be downgraded from positive to stable and its ability to attract investment could be damaged.
Pentagon chief got a taste of the gathering protests at the airport itself. He had originally been due to arrive on Wednesday and stay overnight in Tel Aviv. But those plans were changed due to concern about traffic disruptions from the anti-Netanyahu protests.
However, in his talks with his hosts he focussed on the evolving geopolitics of the region which currently is roiled by threats from Iran and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He also called on his hosts to mend their behaviour towards Palestinians.
Austin told Israeli leaders to take steps to reduce tensions in the occupied West Bank, amid growing worry in Washington that the situation could distract the allies from their effort to counter Iran.
“The United States (remains) firmly opposed to any acts that could trigger more insecurity, including settlement expansion and inflammatory rhetoric,” Austin told reporters after his meeting with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
The government of Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, has vowed to continue the expansion of West Bank settlements considered illegal under international law.
Since the beginning of the year, Israeli forces have killed more than 70 Palestinians, including militant fighters and civilians; in the same period, Palestinians have killed 13 Israelis and one Ukrainian woman in apparently uncoordinated attacks.
Austin met Netanyahu at the airport for more than an hour and a Pentagon readout of the meeting said Austin called for “immediate steps to de-escalate violence and work towards a just and lasting peace”.
Aid for Ukraine
US Defence Secretary urged Israel to step up aid to Ukraine. “Now, Israel has been providing helpful humanitarian support for Ukraine and I’m also grateful for Israel’s participation in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group that I convene,” Austin explained. “Yet we’re also calling on all of our allies and partners to step up now at this hinge moment in history.”
Iran concerns
In their meetings with Austin, Netanyahu and his defence minister raised concerns that Israel’s arch-foe Iran is developing nuclear weapons, something the Islamic republic has always denied.
“It is our duty to take all measures necessary to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons,” Galant said.
Austin said “diplomacy is the best way to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon”, while adding the US would not allow that to happen.
Their talks came ahead of Netanyahu’s departure for Rome, which protesters had sought to obstruct using their vehicles to block access roads.