Already tense relations between the United States and Israel were further soured on Monday by the United Nations Security Council’s passage of a cease-fire resolution, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a high-level delegation scheduled to go to Washington this week.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his radical right-wing coalition were furious after the US abstained from voting on a UN Security Council proposal calling for a ceasefire in Gaza during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, allowing the bill to pass. The Israeli prime minister has been publicly furious in recent weeks, accusing the White House and Congressional Democrats of trying to undermine his political standing at home.
White House Press Secretary John Kirby said the White House was “disappointed” and “embarrassed” by Netanyahu’s response, but said relations had not reached a new low and that U.S. policy He said he tried to ignore the rift, insisting nothing had changed.
“These two leaders have known each other for 40 years, but they have not always agreed on everything, and they still do not agree on everything,” Kirby said. Ta.
But Israel’s reaction reflects the growing rift between the two staunch allies, with relations already deteriorating ahead of Israel’s planned attack on Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city. US officials have warned against military action.
Aborted delegation discusses Israel’s plans for Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians are displaced after brutal air and ground operations by Israel forced tens of thousands to flee the northern part of the enclave It was aimed at that. White House officials said a ground invasion of the city without an approved plan would result in a humanitarian disaster.
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters Monday that “we believe a ground invasion without any credible plan is a mistake, especially given the large number of people and displaced people present at this time.” “There is,” he said. “There are ways to deal with the Hamas threat while also taking into account the safety of civilians.”
However, after the United States refused to veto the UN Security Council resolution, which also called for the immediate release of all 130-plus hostages taken by Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement saying that the US It argued that the abstention was a “clear retreat” from its previous position. That would undermine efforts to fight Hamas and free hostages in Gaza.
As a result, the Israeli delegation intended to discuss Rafa not going to Washington, he added.
The far-right wing of the Israeli government also issued a harsh response, with Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir calling the UN vote “not a sign that President Biden is prioritizing Israel and the free world’s victory over terrorism, but rather that he “This is proof that he is prioritizing his own political considerations.” The New York Times reported.
But the United States, which had previously vetoed three other resolutions calling for a ceasefire, rejected these claims.
“The Prime Minister’s Office seems to be indicating through public statements that we have changed things here in some way. We have not done that,” Kirby said at the White House’s daily briefing on Monday. “And we will decide our own course. Downing Street seems to be choosing to create the perception that there is daylight here, when there is no need for it.”
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller called the delegation’s withdrawal “surprising and disappointing,” as the United States had previously notified the Israeli government that it planned to abstain from voting on the resolution. Stated.
Reported by multiple retailers The White House reportedly told Netanyahu’s aides during Sunday’s talks that the U.S. abstention was not a change in policy.
Kirby and Miller also reiterated to reporters that the resolution is “non-binding.”
Still, the U.S. choice is the sharpest action yet at the U.N. against Israel, and since the start of the war in October, Biden and other U.S. officials have sought to prevent civilian casualties and increase aid to Gaza. He says more efforts are needed.
Axios, citing unnamed U.S. officials, said U.S. officials believe Netanyahu’s public complaints against the United States were fabricated for domestic purposes.
“It’s all self-defeating. The Prime Minister could have chosen the other path of aligning himself with the US on the meaning of this resolution. He clearly did not do so for political purposes.” said a US official. told the outlet.
On Monday, several U.S. lawmakers also harshly criticized Israel’s decision to forego the talks, with Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) saying that Netanyahu had “rejected $3.3 billion in tax dollars to fund immoral acts.” I’m not as upset as I should be,” he tweeted. War,” he said, referring to the deadly aid the United States provides to this country every year.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant has already visited Washington and is scheduled to continue meeting with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the White House said. That’s what it means.
Ryder also confirmed that a meeting between Austin and Gallant remains in the plan. He said the two men will meet at the Pentagon to discuss the release of hostages, Israel’s operations in Gaza and the need to ensure the safety of civilians evacuated to Rafah.
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