Netanyahu Cancels Washington Delegation Visit Over US Stance on Gaza Cease-fire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called off a scheduled trip by a high-level delegation to Washington, citing the United States’ abstention on a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. Netanyahu’s office labeled the US action as a departure from its earlier stance, expressing concerns that it could undermine efforts against Hamas and complicate the release of over 130 hostages held in Gaza.

The Security Council’s resolution, which the US chose not to veto, calls for an immediate cease-fire and the unconditional release of all hostages. The White House has since denied any shift in US policy regarding the situation.

Originally, the delegation was set to discuss plans for a military operation in Rafah, a southern Gaza city hosting over a million Palestinians. The cancellation came to light as White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby addressed inquiries about the development. Kirby expressed disappointment over Israel’s withdrawal from the talks but said discussions on US concerns regarding Israel’s policies would continue.

Kirby emphasized the US position that a ground offensive in Rafah would be a significant error, indicating that discussions with visiting Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant would address these concerns. Meanwhile, in Israel, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s decision as a diversion tactic from domestic issues, questioning the prime minister’s commitment to US-Israel relations.