Israeli Military Chief Cancels US Visit Over Gaza Talks

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Israeli Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has called off a scheduled visit to the United States, citing the collapse of Gaza ceasefire negotiations as the primary reason, according to a report from the Jerusalem Post on Saturday.

The visit, initially planned for Tuesday, was expected to include meetings with senior U.S. military and intelligence officials, as well as Jewish community leaders. Zamir was also set to attend the retirement ceremony of the Commander of U.S. Central Command.

Sources quoted by the Jerusalem Post confirmed that Zamir’s travel was conditional on progress toward a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. With no tangible breakthrough achieved, the general opted to remain in Israel.

Zamir’s decision comes as internal divisions reportedly grow within Israel’s political and military leadership regarding the ongoing conflict and the fate of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. The Jerusalem Post described the cancellation as a symbolic act, balancing the strategic importance of ties with Washington against immediate national priorities.

During a recent tour of the Gaza border region, Zamir reportedly told field commanders that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would sustain military pressure on Hamas until all hostages were returned. His comments reflect a firm stance by military leadership to prioritize security and hostage recovery over diplomatic events abroad.

Ceasefire negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, began on July 6 but have since stalled. Both Israeli and U.S. negotiators have recently pulled their teams from the discussions, suggesting a significant breakdown in talks.

Reports indicate Hamas offered to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a full Israeli military withdrawal, a halt to operations in Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, additional conditions from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, such as the disarmament of militant factions and reassertion of Israeli control in parts of Gaza, have been seen by some as politically motivated rather than strictly strategic.

Meanwhile, the families of Israeli hostages, some confirmed deceased, continue to rally outside government offices. Their daily protests are increasing public pressure on officials to take immediate steps toward securing the captives’ return.