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.

Prior to his departure, his aides were still trying to gauge the possibility of an “impromptu meeting” with President Donald Trump during Gantz’ scheduled session with national security adviser Robert O’Brien, as well as a brief get-together with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Previous American presidents who sought to favor Israeli leaders would occasionally drop by during their meetings with national security advisers. Given Trump’s hectic schedule at the height of his reelection campaign, he's not likely to make time for such an encounter.

Gantz’ talks in Washington will focus on the “snapback” option, this week’s dramatic US move to reimpose sanctions on Iran for violating its nuclear agreement with world powers. The controversial move is presumably the final phase of the tremendous American effort to cement an alliance between Israel and the Sunni Gulf States in light of Iran’s expected resumption of major conventional arms deals, mostly with Russia and China, now that the sanctions are about to expire.