US-Israel virtual meeting Monday on Rafah offensive plans

The United States and Israel were due to hold a virtual meeting Monday on the planned offensive in Gaza's Rafah, a week after Israel called off a delegation's visit to Washington.

Tensions have risen between Israel and its chief backer the United States over the heavy civilian death toll in Gaza, and especially over Israeli plans to send ground forces into Gaza's crowded far-southern city of Rafah.

Israel had agreed to send a delegation to Washington for discussions on the plans, but cancelled the trip after the United States failed to veto a UN Security Council ceasefire call, abstaining instead.

"The meeting is scheduled for today. It will be online. There may be a meeting in person later this week," said an Israeli source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A US official confirmed the virtual meeting, adding that "we anticipate follow-up meetings in person following additional work by expert teams."