Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant meets with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon, on March 26, 2024, in Washington, US. (AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to emphasize, in his meeting with Israeli occupation Security Minister Yoav Gallant, the importance of developing a practical plan for the governance of the Gaza Strip in preparation for "the day after," according to the US State Department.

Additionally, Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated in a press briefing that Blinken will emphasize the importance of preventing any further escalation in the war on Gaza and improving humanitarian access.

"We aim to make progress on all of these fronts," Miller emphasized, adding, "We have been quite consistent that for there to be an enduring defeat of Hamas, there needs to be a plan for what replaces them and what replaces that needs to be Palestinian-led governance, needs to be realistic security plans."

Miller also noted that Washington continued to stress to Tel Aviv that it does not support "Israel" reoccupying the Strip, saying, "We do not want to see them reoccupy Gaza, which is why we continue to push for an alternative to that."

On his part, Gallant, who arrived ahead of his 1 pm scheduled meeting at the State Department, was met with a group of pro-Palestine protesters outside the building.

Gallant's office released a press brief, noting that "the meetings we are holding are extremely important and impactful on the future of the war in Gaza and our ability to achieve the goals of the war, on developments on the northern border, and other areas."

During his visit, Gallant is set to discuss with US officials basic issues related to the war, most importantly on the two main fronts: Gaza and Lebanon.

In this context, Israeli Channel 13 reported that three basic issues are at the heart of this visit, which are: the northern front with Lebanon, the issue of Israeli captives in Gaza, as “Gallant is trying to come up with ideas that could move toward reaching an exchange deal," and the ammunitions delay issue.

In addition to meeting with Blinken, Gallant also held discussions with Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk, senior advisors to US President Joe Biden, as well as CIA Director Bill Burns. He is also scheduled to meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday.

It is also important to note that Barak Ravid, posted on X saying that Netanyahu, on Monday, said "he is still committed to the Israeli proposal for a hostage and ceasefire deal after walking back his support for it a day earlier."

Ravid responded to his own post by pointing out what seems to be Miller downplaying Netanyahu's earlier statement by saying, "Those of us who speak publicly sometimes misspeak, and when it happens, we have an obligation to clarify, and we are glad that he did."

Gallant says meetings 'critical for future of war'

Earlier, on Sunday, Israeli media reported that Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant went to the United States against the backdrop of developments in the North with Hezbollah, and for fear of a comprehensive war with it and the ammunition crisis.

Yossi Yehoshua, a military affairs analyst for the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, said that Gallant's important visit to the United States has one main goal, "to calm the Americans."

According to the Israeli newspaper, an upcoming summit will gather Security Minister Gallant, Ministry of Security Director General Major General Eyal Zamir, and Deputy Chief of Staff Amir Baram, with US officials.

The meeting is driven by developments in the northern front involving Hezbollah, concerns about a potential all-out war, and a critical ammunition shortage worsened by delayed US arms shipments that "Israel" urgently needs for this war, as reported by the newspaper.