US: Israel briefs security advisor about ‘alternative’ operations in Rafah | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

The White House says that Israeli military officials informed US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan about alternatives to a large-scale ground operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

The White House said in a statement on Monday that Sullivan met with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Chief of Defense Herzi Halevi and other military leaders in Israel.

It says Gallant and Halevi briefed Sullivan on “new alternative approaches to defeating Hamas in Rafah” to address US concerns.

Details of any alternative approaches have not been disclosed, but the White House says the two sides have agreed to continue discussions.

Sullivan is said to have reiterated concerns about a major operation in Rafah, which currently houses many evacuees.

Gallant, meanwhile, has emphasized on social media that Israel has a duty to expand the ground operation in Rafah to destroy Hamas and bring hostages home.

As Israel is poised to dispatch more troops and step up its offensive, attention is focused on whether the US pressure will be successful in halting a large operation.