Top American and Israeli officials engaged in virtual talks on Monday to discuss the ongoing situation in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. The U.S. has been advocating for alternatives to a potential ground assault by Israeli forces in Rafah, citing humanitarian concerns. President Joe Biden and his administration have been urging Israel to refrain from a large-scale incursion without a credible plan to protect noncombatants.
The meeting, which lasted over two-and-a-half hours, was described as constructive and productive by both sides. The U.S. has been encouraging Israel to pursue more targeted actions against Hamas while minimizing civilian casualties. The potential operation in Rafah has highlighted a significant rift between the two allies.
The U.S. and Israeli teams, known as the Strategic Consultative Group, released a joint statement expressing their shared objective of defeating Hamas in Rafah. The U.S. side raised concerns about various courses of action, and Israel agreed to consider these concerns in follow-up discussions overseen by the SCG.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration is reportedly considering selling up to 50 new F-15 fighter jets to Israel. The sale, which was informally notified to relevant congressional committees, indicates a potential move forward pending final approval.
In a separate development, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss reforms within the group and its potential role in governing post-war Gaza.
The virtual meeting follows the cancellation of in-person talks last week after the U.S. did not veto a U.N. resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. The discussions were chaired by U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the American side, and Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on the Israeli side.
