Netanyahu Scraps US Delegation Visit Following Ceasefire Vote

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that he would no longer be sending a delegation to Washington, as previously planned.

This decision came after the United States chose not to veto a UN Security Council resolution on a Gaza ceasefire earlier that day.

The resolution, which was passed by the UNSC, calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The US abstained from voting, while the other 14 members voted in favor of the resolution.

The resolution also emphasizes the need for the unconditional release of remaining Israeli hostages and the expansion of aid into Gaza. Netanyahu’s office expressed disappointment with the US decision, stating that it deviated from the consistent position of the US since the beginning of the war.

The office further explained that this withdrawal undermines both the war effort and the effort to release the hostages, as it gives Hamas hope that international pressure will lead to a ceasefire without the release of Israeli hostages.

Netanyahu had informed the US on Sunday that he would not send a high-level delegation to discuss military plans without the US veto at the UNSC. In response to Netanyahu’s decision, the US State Department spokesman called it surprising and unfortunate.

The resolution raised concerns in the US as it failed to condemn the October 7 attack, yet it was not vetoed due to its alignment with Washington’s policy, according to Miller, who described it as “non-binding.”

White House spokesperson John Kirby expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the Israeli delegation’s visit, stating that Washington was perplexed by it, clarifying that the US abstention did not signify a policy shift.

Kirby emphasized that the US continues to support Israel by providing weapons systems and other capabilities to help the country defend itself, reaffirming the strong bond between the two nations.

Despite international warnings, Israel is preparing for a ground assault on Rafah, with over half of Gaza’s population seeking refuge in the city amid ongoing Israeli bombardment in other areas of the enclave.