Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Jerusalem, February 18, 2024. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that he would not send a planned delegation to Washington following the United States’ decision not to veto a United Nations Security Council proposal calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the Prime Minister viewed the U.S. abstention as a departure from its previous stance, which he believes could hinder efforts against Hamas and the release of hostages in Gaza. Consequently, the planned delegation to Washington was canceled.
The UN Security Council voted to demand an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, along with the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The United States abstained from the vote.
The White House denied that the U.S. abstention signaled a change in American policy. The high-level delegation was initially intended to discuss a planned Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where a significant number of Palestinians are seeking shelter.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby addressed Israel’s decision to withdraw from the meeting, expressing disappointment but stating that the United States would continue discussions with Israel regarding their concerns.
Kirby emphasized the U.S.’s belief that a major ground offensive in Rafah would be unwise. He mentioned that discussions between Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and U.S. officials would cover the same topics that were planned to be discussed with the delegation.
In Israel, parliamentary opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of attempting to divert attention from internal coalition issues at the expense of relations with the United States. Lapid’s remarks were made on a social media platform
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