The U.S.-Israel relationship faces further strain as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancels high-level delegation meetings with U.S. officials following the passage of a U.N. cease-fire resolution. President Biden had requested the meetings to discuss alternatives to an Israeli offensive into Rafah, a city in Gaza where over a million people have sought refuge.
The United States had previously vetoed three U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for an end to the war in Gaza, but this time abstained from voting, allowing the resolution to pass. Netanyahu criticized the abstention, calling it a departure from the consistent American position and giving hope to Hamas.
In response, the Israeli delegation scheduled to discuss Rafah will not travel to Washington. Despite this, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is in Washington meeting with U.S. officials. Gallant reiterated Israel’s commitment to operating against Hamas and emphasized the need to continue the war until all hostages in Gaza are freed.
The U.N. resolution also called for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, a move welcomed by the Palestinian armed group. Hamas expressed willingness to engage in a prisoner exchange process that could lead to the release of prisoners on both sides.
The fallout from the U.N. resolution highlights the growing tension between the U.S. and Israel, with the two nations at odds over the handling of the conflict in Gaza. The cancellation of the delegation meetings underscores the deepening rift between the long-standing allies as they navigate the complexities of the situation in the region.
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