The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has canceled the visit to Washington of two of his closest advisors following the abstention of the United States in a UN Security Council vote. Netanyahu’s office criticized the abstention, stating that it gives Hamas hope that international pressure will force Israel to accept a ceasefire without releasing hostages, thus undermining efforts both in war and to free the hostages.
The delegation that was canceled was led by National Security Advisor Tzaji Hanegbi and Minister of Strategic Affairs and former ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer. Both were part of Netanyahu’s inner circle and had been scheduled to travel to Washington to explore alternatives to an invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza. The cancellation came after a phone conversation between Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden in which they disagreed on the need for an invasion to end Hamas.
The decision does not affect another visit to Washington by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who is expected to meet with US defense officials to discuss alternatives for defeating Hamas that do not have major consequences for civilians as a new large-scale military operation in Rafah would. Gallant will also discuss arms deliveries from the United States and preserving Israel’s qualitative military advantage.
The Biden Administration is opposed to a major ground operation in Rafah, stating that it would cause more deaths of innocent civilians, worsen the humanitarian crisis, and isolate Israel internationally. Instead, Washington has proposed alternative approaches targeting key Hamas elements in Rafah without escalating conflict. Netanyahu’s decision reflects growing tensions between Israel and the US over how best to address Gaza’s crisis.
The White House is concerned about how a major military operation would impact civilians in Gaza as well as regional stability and international relations. Biden and Netanyahu have expressed differing views on how best to tackle Gaza’s situation; with the US advocating for cautionary approach avoid further humanitarian crises and civilian casualties while Israel believes that action must be taken immediately against Hamas.
In conclusion, Israel has canceled its visit of two top advisors’ trip to Washington after disagreement with US President Biden over how best way address crisis situation in Gaza . While some see this as a way forward towards peace , others view it as a step back towards prolonged conflict .
