Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called off a high-level delegation’s scheduled trip to Washington, citing the US’s acquiescence on a UN Security Council resolution requesting an instant cease-fire in Gaza. The US activity, according to Netanyahu’s company, is a departure from its earlier position, raising fears that it could thwart Hamas ‘ efforts and impede the release of more than 130 hostages held in Gaza. The Security Council’s decision, which the US chose never to filibuster, calls for an instant stop- fire and the absolute release of all hostages. Since then, the White House has disputed any change in the country’s approach. Actually, the committee was set to discuss strategies for a military activity in Rafah, a southern Gaza area having over a million Palestinians. As John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, inquired about the creation, the withdrawal was made public. Kirby expressed sorrow with Israel’s decision to leave the discussions, but Kirby assured that conversations may remain regarding US concerns regarding Israel’s policies. &# 13,
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Major Stories &# 13, Kirby, emphasized the US’s position that a floor offensive in Rafah would be a major problem, indicating that debate with visiting Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had address these concerns. However, in Israel, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s choice as a escape technique from local issues, questioning the perfect president’s commitment to US- Israel relations.
