Netanyahu 'does not approve' of Gantz trip to Washington

A senior figure close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Haaretz newspaper that the leader did not sanction war cabinet minister Benny Gantz's newly-announced visit to the Washington, set for Monday.

"The prime minister made it clear to Gantz last night that he does not approve of his trip to Washington. Any official trip abroad by a minister that is not private but rather in an official capacity requires approval from the prime minister," the senior figure was quoted as saying. 

A statement from Gantz confirmed that he would meet with Harris, as well as with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Republican and Democratic members of US Congress.

"Minister Gantz personally updated the prime minister on his own initiative on Friday of his intention to travel, in order to coordinate the messages to be transmitted in the meetings," the statement said.