Israeli prime minister cancels US trip in wake of UN vote for cease-fire

WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled the diplomatic delegation’s visit to Washington this week in protest of the United Nation’s decision to call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

The resolution passed 14-0 after the U.S. decided not to use its veto power and instead abstained, according to the Associated Press.

Netanyahu accused the U.S. of “retreating” from what he said had been a “principled position” by allowing the vote to pass without conditioning the cease-fire on the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The White House was preparing to welcome a team of Israeli military and intelligence leaders Monday for high-level meetings that were supposed to occur this week to discuss strategy for the war in Gaza.

The relationship between the U.S. and Israel has remained strained after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris warned against a possible invasion of Rafah.

“We have been clear in multiple conversations and every way that any major military operation in Rafah would be a huge mistake,” Harris said in an interview aired Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”

During the series of meetings this week, Israel was expected to request additional support from the U.S., specifically for funding and weapons. Legislation to bring billions of dollars in aid for Israel has stalled in Congress.

U.S. leaders were likely to voice concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a potential invasion of Rafah, which is currently home to over a million displaced Palestinians and serves as a crucial entry route for humanitarian assistance.

Israel has claimed that Rafah remains Hamas’ last stronghold, and that it already has an evacuation plan ready for civilians.

When asked what would happen if Israel went ahead with an invasion of Rafah, Harris did not share specifics, only saying the Biden administration has been clear with Israel about U.S. concerns.