From the Liveblog of
Friday, May 17, 2024
Sullivan will push Netanyahu on avoiding full-scale Rafah op in Sunday meeting
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will stress in his talks with the Israelis the need to go after Hamas fighters in Gaza in a targeted way, not with a full-scale assault on the southern city of Gaza, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby tells reporters.
Sullivan will visit Saudi Arabia on Saturday and arrive in Israel on Sunday.
Kirby says Sullivan in his talks with the Saudis will discuss “bilateral and regional matters including the war in Gaza of course and ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region.”
Kirby says Sullivan’s talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials will include Rafah. Israel has threatened a broad offensive in Rafah but the operation is opposed by the United States out of concern for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled there to get out of the way of fighting elsewhere in Gaza.
Kirby says Sullivan will argue for a more targeted approach against Hamas militants in Rafah. He also says Sullivan will discuss recent stalled efforts to reach a deal with Hamas on the release of sick, elderly and wounded hostages held since the militants seized hostages in southern Israel on October 7.
The Times of Israel Community.