Despite the many pressing security issues at hand, Defense Minister Benny Gantz’ lightning US visit this week is intended primarily to “mark territory” in Israel's internal politics, as one of his associates puts it.
The status of Israeli leaders is determined to some extent in Washington. For Israeli defense ministers and prime ministers, the US capital is a necessary and particularly photogenic component in branding their leadership. Gantz’ tight schedule follows a familiar pattern, including a sit-down with his US counterpart Mark Esper.