WASHINGTON – The White House expressed its deep disappointment over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to cancel a visit to Washington by a high-ranking Israeli delegation. This decision came in the wake of the US’s abstention from a UN vote that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“We are indeed disappointed. We had hoped for a comprehensive discussion with them in Washington, DC about feasible alternatives to their ground operations in Rafah,” said White House spokesperson John Kirby to the press.
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Despite this, Kirby confirmed that senior US officials would continue to engage in separate discussions with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who is presently in Washington. These talks will focus on various issues, including hostages, humanitarian aid, and the protection of civilians in the southern Gaza town of Rafah.
Kirby stressed that US policy had not changed, despite the decision to abstain from the UN Security Council vote. He said US officials could continue to bring up Washington’s concerns with Israeli policies in Gaza as part of ongoing discussions between the two governments.
“Nothing has changed about our view that a major ground offensive in Rafah would be a major mistake,” Kirby said.
