Washington, 9 October 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has postponed a planned visit to the United States, deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said on Tuesday.

Gallant had been scheduled to meet with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday, Singh said.

"The visit's been postponed, and we'll work with Minister Gallant's office should his trip be rescheduled to a later date, I'm sure the Secretary would be happy to host him again at the Pentagon."

Singh declined to comment on US media reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had not approved Gallant's trip.

"I am aware of those reports, and I think I am going to stay out of Israeli politics."

The pair had a good relationship and had spoken on the phone many times, Singh said.

"They can pick up the phone at any time, at any hour of the night and speak very candidly to each other. Whether that's a meeting that's done in person or a meeting that's done over the phone, it's a conversation. And no matter what, that's something that I think both sides can appreciate."

Photo: MIA Archive