Israeli ministers briefed US on 'new alternative approaches' in Rafah: White House

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - A pair of senior Israeli officials informed US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan of their "new alternative approaches" to Tel Aviv's avowed invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah during meetings in the country, the White House said Monday.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of the General Staff Gen. Herzi Halevi "briefed Mr. Sullivan on new alternative approaches to defeating Hamas in Rafah to address the concerns that have been expressed by the U.S. side through the Strategic Consultative Group process," the White House said in a statement after the conclusion of the closed-door talks.

"The two sides agreed to continue discussions. Mr. Sullivan reaffirmed the United States commitment to securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas," it added.

It is unclear from the White House readout if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has adamantly maintained that his forces will invade Rafah, backs the plans presented by Gallant and Halevi.

The Israeli army began its ground offensive on Rafah on May 6. About 1.5 million displaced Palestinians had sought refuge there, with the UN's Palestine refugee agency estimating more than 800,000 people have fled the city since the start of the Israeli attack.

Rafah's vital border crossing with Egypt has been closed since Israel seized the Gazan side when it began its Rafah invasion.

The Biden administration has urged that it be reopened immediately, and the White House said Sullivan "discussed the importance of Israel and Egypt concluding talks to reopen the Rafah crossing as soon as possible, and the need for Egypt to ensure the continued flow of humanitarian assistance through Kerem Shalom."