Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that a planned delegation’s trip to Washington has been canceled. This decision was made in response to the United States’ abstention from vetoing a UN Security Council proposal that called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
In a statement from his office, Netanyahu expressed disappointment over what he perceived as a significant departure from Washington’s previous stance. He voiced concerns that this shift could undermine efforts against Hamas and hinder the release of over 130 hostages held in Gaza.
“The delegation will not proceed as scheduled due to the change in the American position,” the statement from Netanyahu’s office clarified.
The UN Security Council resolution passed with a demand for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, coupled with the unconditional release of all hostages. Israel responded critically to the US decision to abstain from the vote.
In response, the White House refuted any change in American policy while expressing disappointment over Israel’s withdrawal from the scheduled meeting in Washington.
John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, expressed his regret over Israel’s decision. He reiterated the US’s stance against a major ground offensive in Rafah and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between the two governments to reach a peaceful resolution.
Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu for prioritizing internal politics over diplomatic relations with the United States. Lapid condemned Netanyahu’s actions as irresponsible, particularly amid tensions within the coalition government. This development underscored broader concerns about the implications of the strained relationship between Israel and the US on regional stability and efforts towards resolving the conflict in Gaza.
