The deep divides between the U.S. and Israel over Israel's planned operation in Rafah were evident in a virtual meeting between senior officials from both countries, three sources with direct knowledge of the meeting told Axios.
An operation in the city, where more than one million Palestinians are sheltering, has become one of the most contentious issues between the U.S. and Israel around the war in Gaza.
The 2.5-hour virtual meeting earlier this week took place after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier canceled the meeting over the U.S. decision not to veto a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken led the U.S. side in the talks. Netanyahu's confidants, Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, attended from Israel. Several other defense, policy and intelligence officials from both sides participated.
Two sources with direct knowledge of the meeting said it was businesslike and constructive, and despite their differences both sides held a serious discussion with an aim of reaching an understanding and not just talking past each other.
