White House seeks clarification after unexpected move by Israeli PM

The White House has expressed confusion and disappointment over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to cancel a planned visit by an Israeli delegation to the United States. This decision comes in the wake of the United Nations Security Council’s resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a move that seemingly influenced Netanyahu’s abrupt action.

John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Advisor, during a news briefing, highlighted the Biden administration’s perplexity and reassurance that US policy towards Israel has not shifted. Kirby emphasized, “We’re kind of perplexed by this. A couple of points that need to be stated and, in fact, restated. Number one, it’s a nonbinding resolution. So, there’s no impact at all on Israel and Israel’s ability to continue to go after Hamas. Number two, as I said in my opening statement, it does not represent a change at all in our policy.”

The cancellation by Netanyahu signals a significant moment of tension between the two allied nations, especially in light of the United States’ refusal to veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza during Ramadan. According to Netanyahu’s office, the US’s abstention from vetoing the resolution represents “a clear departure from the consistent position of the United States at the Security Council since the beginning of the war.”

The intended delegation visit aimed to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly as Israeli forces contemplate further actions in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where a significant number of Palestinian refugees are currently sheltered. The visit’s cancellation could potentially impact discussions and plans regarding the conflict’s resolution.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, already in Washington, is expected to meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin amidst these unfolding events. The situation reflects the growing complexities and challenges in the US-Israel relationship, particularly concerning the war in Gaza, which has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties.

The recent UN resolution, and the US’s decision to abstain rather than veto, calls for an immediate cease-fire during Ramadan, aiming for a humanitarian pause in the conflict. While the US abstained due to the resolution not condemning Hamas, it did not oppose the resolution’s broader goals, including the release of hostages and a humanitarian cease-fire.

Netanyahu’s office’s statement underscores the perceived shift in US policy, prompting the Israeli Prime Minister to cancel the delegation’s visit as a form of protest against what is seen as the United States abandonment of its previously consistent stance in the UN regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.