US ‘very disappointed’ as Israeli delegation cancels visit amid diplomatic tensions

White House expresses disappointment after Israeli cancel delegation visit to discuss alternatives to military offensive in southern Gaza

The White House expressed deep disappointment  Monday after Israel canceled a scheduled delegation visit aimed at discussing potential alternatives to a military offensive in southern Gaza.

The move comes in the wake of diplomatic strains following the United States’ abstention from a recent U.N. Security Council vote calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby conveyed the U.S. sentiment, stating: “We’re very disappointed that they won’t be coming to Washington, DC to allow us to have a fulsome conversation with them about viable alternatives to going in on the ground in Rafah.”

Israel’s decision to scrap the visit was precipitated by the U.S. abstention from the UN Security Council vote, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office criticized for undermining Israel’s efforts against Hamas.

However, Kirby maintained that the U.S. stance at the U.N. does not indicate a policy shift and emphasized that the abstention was due to the resolution’s failure to condemn Hamas.

“We’ve been consistent in our support (for) a cease-fire as part of a hostage deal,” he affirmed, alluding to ongoing efforts to secure the release of individuals captured during a previous Hamas attack.

Despite the cancellation of the delegation’s visit, a separate meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is set to proceed as planned.

Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder confirmed: “Austin is still planning to meet with Minister Gallant” on Tuesday, highlighting the agenda’s focus on securing the release of hostages held by Hamas and the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach Palestinian civilians.

Additionally, discussions will address strategies to ensure the safety of the more than one million individuals seeking refuge in Rafah while also neutralizing Hamas’ capacity to threaten Israel’s security.

Source: AFP