Israel-US Diplomatic Spat Complicates Gaza Situation 

White House national security communications adviser John Kirby speaks about Israel during a press briefing, March 25, 2024, at the White House in Washington. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant leaves the State Department after meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department in Washington, March 25, 2024. Palestinians inspect the damage to residential buildings after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, March 24, 2024.

White House officials said Monday that they were "perplexed" and "disappointed" that Israel's leader called off a delegation meant to discuss U.S. concerns about his imminent plans to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah.