White House Communications Coordinator Homeland Security John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One that a virtual meeting of senior U.S. and Israeli officials had begun. On the agenda – discussing Israeli plans to launch an offensive on the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip and the possibility of retaliating against Iran.
American and Israeli officials said the current meeting is a continuation of a similar meeting held on April 1, Reuters reports.< br />
President Joe Biden called on Israel not to carry out a large-scale offensive in Rafah to avoid further casualties among Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
The United States is represented in the negotiations by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. The meeting is attended by the President's special envoy for the Middle East, Brett McGurk.
Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi led the Israeli delegation, the Israeli leadership said. Israel said the topic of the talks was “operational and humanitarian planning for Rafah.”
Prepared by: Sergei Daga