The Biden administration officials recently engaged in a virtual meeting with Israeli counterparts to discuss the strategy for a potential ground operation in Rafah. The meeting, which lasted two and a half hours, was led by US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Israel’s National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. However, officials from the Biden administration had 'no expectation' for a breakthrough during this meeting.
The White House views this meeting as part of an ongoing series of conversations between the allies, with plans for further discussions in the coming weeks. While US officials urged their Israeli counterparts to consider alternatives to a major ground invasion in Rafah, they also acknowledged that the final decision on military operations lies with Israel.
Prior to this virtual meeting, there were working-level discussions between the two countries and a meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Following the meeting, the Pentagon emphasized the importance of Israel having a credible and implementable plan that prioritizes the safety and humanitarian needs of civilians in Rafah.
The Biden administration has expressed a strong preference for exploring alternatives to a major military operation in Rafah, where over a million Gazans have sought refuge. The US officials are advocating for a targeted approach that minimizes civilian casualties and ensures humanitarian support for those affected by the conflict.
