Israeli Team To Visit US for Strategic Dialogue, Says White House
US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed concerns to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the potential consequences of a military operation in Rafah, Gaza. Highlighting the risk of exacerbating anarchy in the region, both leaders have concurred on convening teams in Washington to deliberate on the situation, as announced by the White House.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan communicated to the press that the upcoming discussions will aim to thoroughly address the future course of action in Gaza, which is currently experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis after six months of intense conflict. Sullivan indicated that these critical talks could take place as early as this week or the next, emphasizing that no military actions in Rafah would commence prior to these negotiations.
The cautionary stance from Biden revolves around the instability and humanitarian issues in areas of Gaza already impacted by Israeli military operations. Sullivan encapsulated Biden’s message to Netanyahu, stressing the need for a coherent strategy towards Gaza that transcends a mere military incursion into Rafah.
Despite the tension surrounding Gaza, the conversation between Biden and Netanyahu was described as “businesslike” without any abrupt conclusions. Sullivan clarified that Biden stopped short of threatening to restrict US aid to Israel, instead reaffirming support for Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas terrorists responsible for attacks on southern Israel on October 7.
This dialogue marks the first interaction between Biden and Netanyahu since February 15, amid escalating tensions over Netanyahu’s management of the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu outlined the discussions as focusing on Israel’s objectives in the war: the dismantlement of Hamas, the release of all hostages, and the assurance that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, all while facilitating necessary humanitarian assistance.
