PM Cancels Delegation's DC Visit After US Abstains On UN Gaza Resolution

The UN Security Council has adopteda resolution calling for an 'immediate' ceasefire in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan, with 14 votes in favour and an abstention from the United States. The passage of the resolution is unlikely to change the situation on the ground in Gaza vis-a-vis Israel's war against Hamas. However, it looks as if it will further strain relations between the Netanyahu gov't and the Biden administration. Wires reporting that following earlier claims, the PM's office has confirmed that the delegation led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer intending to travel to the US for talks on 26 March has been cancelled.

• In the end, the ultimatum from Netanyahu may have forced the US' hand. If the US had vetoed the resolution it would have left itself open to accusations from Israel's adversaries that it's policies are being directed by the Israeli gov't.
• The ultimatum also put Netanyahu in a corner. If he did not follow through and cancel the delegation he risked being left looking weakened politically. However, this series of events is only likely to further strain links with the White House.
• The Netanyahu gov't is already in a vulnerable position, with national unity gov't member Benny Gantz threatening to withdraw from the administration if a law related to extending the exemption from the armed forces for Haredi Jews passes the Knesset. While the gov't would not lose its majority if Gantz pulled his National Unity Party out of gov't, it could severely destabilise the right-wing coaltion and risk a public backlash.