High-level discussions between US and Israel officials regarding possible military operations in Rafah may occur in Washington, DC, as early as Monday, according to US officials who spoke to CNN.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled talks that were planned for this week when the US declined to veto a United Nations resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of captives held by Hamas.
The Israeli delegation has suggested rescheduling the talks for Monday, as officials have mentioned that the timing is tricky due to a Sunday deadline for the Israeli government to create a new law regarding conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews, who have been historically exempt from compulsory military service.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has asked the top court in Israel to extend the deadline for his government to come up with a new plan. It is uncertain whether the delegation will be allowed to travel to the United States if the plans are still uncertain.
US officials have said no date is finalized.
The White House has said it supports the rescheduling of the talks and is working with its counterparts to do so in a timely manner.
“We’re now working with them to find a convenient date that’s obviously going to work for both sides,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier in the week.
Editor's P/S:
The recent developments in the US-Israel relationship, as outlined in the article, reflect the complex and evolving dynamics between the two allies. The cancellation of planned talks due to Israel's objection to a UN ceasefire resolution highlights the ongoing tensions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Israeli delegation's suggestion to reschedule the talks for Monday, despite a looming deadline for a new conscription law, indicates the urgency of the situation.
The US officials' cautious approach, with no finalized date for the talks, suggests a desire to balance support for Israel with the need for diplomatic progress. The White House's statement of support for rescheduling the talks, while acknowledging the need for a convenient date, reflects the ongoing efforts to maintain a constructive dialogue between the two countries. The article serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of the US-Israel relationship and the challenges involved in navigating the complex issues affecting the region.