A meeting is set to take place in Washington next week between American and Israeli officials to explore alternatives to a ground invasion of Gaza's southern city of Rafah, as confirmed by the White House.
US President Joe Biden requested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to send a delegation comprising military, intelligence, and humanitarian representatives to Washington for discussions on the Rafah situation during a phone call on Monday.
While the exact timing of the meeting was not specified on Monday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre indicated on Tuesday that it is likely to occur early next week. Further details regarding the participants in the talks have not been disclosed.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized on Monday that the purpose of the meeting is to convene officials from both sides in person during this critical phase of the conflict.
Sullivan stated, 'Now we really need to get down to brass tacks and have the chance for a delegation from each side on an integrated basis — everyone sitting around the same table, talking through the way forward.'
