Talks between the U.S. and Israel continue

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – As the war in Gaza enters its sixth month, tensions are strained between the U.S. and Israel over the possibility of a cease-fire.

Despite the rift between the U.S. and Israel on how to defeat Hamas, Matthew Miller, a state department spokesman, said a meeting between both country’s leaders could be back on.

“A full scale, military operation into Rafah would be a mistake,” said Miller.

The Biden administration is standing firm in its opposition to Israel’s plans to invade the southern Gaza town where more than a million Palestinian refugees are trying to survive.

“The kind of mission we could support is a much more targeted, limited campaign,” said Miller.

Miller says Israel’s current plan endangers too many civilians.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his military still plans to invade Rafah and he has the backing of South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

“Here’s my advice to you and your country. Get on with it,” said Graham.

Graham was in Israel urging the Biden administration and Congress to get on the same page and stand behind Israel.

“The one thing that Israel cannot afford is mixed signals,” Graham added.

Netanyahu signaled his anger with the U.S. this week by canceling plans to send a delegation to Washington.

It was a reaction to the U.S. allowing the U.N. Security Council to approve a cease-fire resolution.

Netanyahu said that emboldened Hamas and he wanted to send a message.

“It was a message first and foremost to Hamas: ‘Don’t bet on this pressure. It’s not going to work,” said Netanyahu.

Miller says the meeting has not been rescheduled.

“We do think it’s important that that meeting happen,” he said.

The State Department says any cease-fire would have to come with the release of hostages.

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