Israel Requests Rescheduled Meeting with White House on Gaza Military Plans
Israel Seeks to Ease Tensions with the U.S.
Israel has requested the White House to reschedule a high-level meeting on military plans for Gaza’s southern city of Rafah that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had abruptly canceled. This move is seen as an attempt to ease tensions between the two allies. Netanyahu called off the visit to Washington by a senior Israeli delegation after the U.S. allowed passage of a Gaza ceasefire resolution at the United Nations on Monday, creating a new low in relations with President Joe Biden.
Efforts to Avoid Ground Invasion of Rafah
The suspension of this week’s meeting posed a challenge to U.S. efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and persuade Netanyahu to consider alternatives to a ground invasion of Rafah. The White House spokesperson confirmed that efforts are being made to reschedule the dedicated meeting on Rafah, indicating a willingness to find a convenient date for the discussions.
Rescheduling the High-Level Meeting
An Israeli official in Washington revealed that a new meeting is in the works, with Netanyahu possibly sending his delegation as early as next week. The talks are expected to focus on Israel’s threatened offensive in Rafah, where many displaced Palestinians seek shelter.
Seeking Alternatives to a Full-Scale Ground Invasion
The U.S. intends to present alternatives to Israeli officials for targeting remaining Hamas commanders in Rafah without resorting to a full-scale ground invasion. This approach aims to avoid a scenario that Washington deems as a potential disaster, highlighting the differences between the U.S. and Israel on military strategies in the region.
A Shift in U.S. Policy towards Israel
Recent developments, including the U.S. abstention at the U.N. and Netanyahu’s reaction, indicate a shift in U.S. policy towards Israel. The Biden administration’s decision reflects growing frustration with the Israeli leader and highlights the challenges in managing the delicate relationship between the two allies.
