Israel agrees to take US concerns into account in Rafah operation

• Published date: 02 April 2024
• Author: TOVAH LAZAROFF
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

It spoke out after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held virtual talks with Israeli officials who are part of the Strategic Consultative Group, under which a security dialogue occurs between both countries

The top Israeli participants were Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzahi Hanegbi.

"The two sides over the course of two hours had a constructive engagement on Rafah," the White House stated.

"They agreed that they share the objective to see Hamas defeated in Rafah. The U.S. side expressed its concerns with various courses of action in Rafah.

"The Israeli side agreed to take these concerns into account and to have follow-up discussions between experts, overseen by the SCG," the White House explained.

The follow-up discussions would include an in-person SCG meeting as early as next week, the White House said. It spoke amid reports that Dermer and Hanegbi could head to Washington next week.

Cancellation of the trip

They had initially intended to go last week, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled that trip to protest the Biden administration's failure to veto a UN Security Council resolution on Gaza.

The Rafah talks have been critical as US and...