US, Israel set for critical discussion on Rafah op.

A key virtual meeting between Israel and the U.S. aims to discuss a contentious military operation in Rafah following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s response to the U.N. Security Council decision

Israeli and U.S. officials are scheduled to hold a vital video conference on Monday to discuss the Israeli military operation planned for Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.

This virtual summit is a strategic pivot following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cancelation of a face-to-face meeting in Washington. The cancelation was a response to the U.S. abstaining from vetoing a U.N. Security Council resolution on the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza.

Speaking to Axios, four U.S. and Israeli officials have confirmed that the meeting is a move to discuss the operation via a secure video conference call.

“The meeting is scheduled for today (Friday). It will be online. There may be an in-person meeting later this week,” said another source to Agence France-Presse (AFP), speaking on condition of anonymity.

Senior Israeli officials view this as a method for Netanyahu to maintain a diplomatic posture while addressing Rafah’s situation without sending a delegation.

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is set to lead the U.S. team, which includes officials from the Pentagon, the U.S. State Department, and intelligence agencies.

Netanyahu’s close confidant, Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, and Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, along with other senior defense and security officials, will represent Israel. Both Dermer and Hanegbi were initially slated to lead the original delegation to Washington.

It has also been reported that Dermer had been urging the prime minister to reschedule the delegation visit quickly, aiming to narrow the expanding diplomatic rift with Washington due to the war.

Netanyahu has openly criticized the Biden administration for not using its veto power against the U.N. resolution, which calls for an immediate Gaza cease-fire and hostage release. Netanyahu argues this stance by the U.S. might embolden Hamas in cease-fire negotiations.

U.S. President Joe Biden, on his part, has opposed any major ground operation in Rafah, which shelters approximately 1.5 million Gazans, unless Israel presents a viable plan for evacuating civilians.

At a recent press conference, Netanyahu stated, “I have approved the (Israel Defense Force) IDF operational plan for Rafah. The IDF is prepared for the evacuation of the civilian population and the provision of humanitarian assistance.” He emphasized that entering Rafah and eliminating Hamas battalions is crucial for victory.

Cease-fire negotiations, mediated internationally, are ongoing, and another round of talks is scheduled for Cairo this week.

Source: Newsroom