Discussions have been reinitiated to arrange meetings in Washington with key Israeli figures to deliberate on possible actions in Gaza. This development follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to postpone a scheduled trip due to frustrations with the U.S. stance on a recent U.N. cease-fire resolution, according to two American officials.
While exact dates for the visit by Ron Dermer, the strategic affairs minister, and Tzachi Hanegbi, the national security adviser, are yet to be determined, the move signifies an attempt to reengage after the diplomatic hiccup. These officials, who requested anonymity given the diplomatic sensitivity of the matter, shared insights with The Associated Press.
An Israeli representative disclosed that the outreach from the White House aimed to reschedule the high-level dialogue, though specifics remain under wraps. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the prime minister had not green-lighted the Washington delegation’s travel plans.
The prime minister’s decision to scrap the initial trip arose from dissatisfaction with the U.S. abstaining from a U.N. vote that called for a Gaza cease-fire, a move Netanyahu perceived as a retreat from a steadfast stance, particularly concerning Hamas’s detainment of hostages.
The proposed U.S. dialogue was to center on Israel’s anticipated military strategy in Rafah, a city in Gaza hosting numerous displaced individuals. Despite U.S. entreaties to forestall the operation, Israel remains resolute.
Amidst these developments, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, already present in Washington, engaged with top U.S. officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretaries Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin, discussing various issues including Gaza.
Netanyahu, addressing the tension with the U.S., emphasized to Senator Rick Scott that the trip’s cancellation aimed to signal to Hamas that international advocacy would not deter Israel’s campaign, especially concerning the hostages held since October 7. He criticized the U.S. abstention as detrimental, suggesting it might embolden Hamas and hinder Israel’s objectives to dismantle the group’s military infrastructure and secure hostage releases.
This episode marks a notable rift between the U.S. and Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict, highlighting diplomatic strains over the war’s progression and international responses.
