US and Israeli officials explore alternatives to military operation in Rafah

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Foreign Secretary Antony Blinken held a video conference with Israeli National Security Chief Tzachi Hanegbi and Strategic Planning Secretary Ron Dermer to discuss White House proposals as alternatives to the Israeli ground operation in Rafah.

The discussion lasted approximately two hours. Officials from the Biden administration have expressed concerns regarding the IDF's ground operation plan. It's reported that all participants in the video conference agreed on a common goal - the elimination of Hamas in Rafah.

In a joint statement from the United States and Israel, the Israeli side agreed to "take into account the concerns of the White House." An Israeli delegation is set to arrive in Washington next week to further discuss the matter.