PM Could Cancel Washington Delegation If US Doesn't Veto UNSC Resolution

Reports suggestingthat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to cancel the planned visit of a delegation to Washington, D.C., if the US does not veto an upcoming ceasefire proposal within the UN Security Council. The Israeli gov't is objecting to the resolution as it does not make a ceasefire conditional on the release of hostages still held by Hamas.

• The delegation in question includes National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who were set to fly out later this week.
• Comes as Defence Minister Yoav Gallant is in D.C., for meetings with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin. This is the first visit to the US by Gallant since the 7 October Hamas attacks. Israeli outley Ynet reports: "Austin is eager to meet with him formally but wishes to discuss matters with him as a rational voice in the Israeli government. On one hand, Gallant calls for the elimination of Hamas, but on the other hand, to create an alternative that ultimately, contrary to the position of others in the government, transfers responsibility for the Strip to local figures that are not affiliated with Hamas."