26-3-2024 (WASHINGTON) The White House expressed deep disappointment on March 25 following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s abrupt cancellation of a planned visit to Washington by a high-level Israeli delegation. The cancellation came in the wake of the United States’ decision to abstain from a crucial UN vote calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
White House spokesperson John Kirby addressed reporters, stating, “It’s disappointing. 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 them going in on the ground in Rafah.”
Despite the cancellation, Kirby confirmed that senior US officials would proceed with separate discussions with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who is currently in Washington. Talks are expected to cover a range of pressing issues, including the situation of hostages, humanitarian aid, and the protection of civilians in the southern Gaza town of Rafah.
Kirby emphasized that the abstention from the UN Security Council vote did not signal a shift in US policy. He asserted that US officials remained committed to addressing concerns over Israeli actions in Gaza through ongoing diplomatic channels.
“Nothing has changed about our view that a major ground offensive in Rafah would be a major mistake,” Kirby reiterated.
