Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meetings in Israel | The White HouseSkip to contentThe White HouseThe White House The White House Home AdministrationPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomEspañol InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement MenuCloseTo search this site, enter a search termSearchMobile Menu OverlayAdministrationShow submenu for “Administration””President Joe BidenVice President Kamala HarrisFirst Lady Dr. Jill BidenSecond Gentleman Douglas EmhoffThe CabinetExecutive OfficesShow submenu for “Executive Offices””Council of Economic AdvisersCouncil on Environmental QualityDomestic Policy CouncilGender Policy CouncilNational Economic CouncilNational Security CouncilNational Space CouncilOffice of Intergovernmental AffairsOffice of Management and BudgetOffice of the National Cyber DirectorOffice of National Drug Control PolicyOffice of Public EngagementOffice of Science and Technology PolicyOffice of the United States Trade RepresentativeClimate Policy OfficePresidential Personnel OfficePrioritiesBriefing RoomThe White HouseShow submenu for “The White House””PresidentsFirst FamiliesThe GroundsOur GovernmentGet InvolvedShow submenu for “Get Involved””Write or Call The White HouseJoin UsWhite House FellowsWhite House Internship ProgramThe RecordDisclosuresEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 To search this site, enter a search termSearchMay 20, 2024 Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meetings in Israel Home Briefing Room Statements and Releases Today in Israel, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Israeli Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, Chief of Defense Herzi Halevi, and War Cabinet members Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot to discuss the situation in Gaza and the United States’ unwavering support for Israel. In his discussions with Minister Gallant and General Halevi, Mr. Sullivan received updated briefings on Israeli military operations in Gaza, and reiterated the President’s longstanding position on Rafah. Minister Gallant and General Halevi briefed Mr. Sullivan on new alternative approaches to defeating Hamas in Rafah to address the concerns that have been expressed by the U.S. side through the Strategic Consultative Group process. The two sides agreed to continue discussions. Mr. Sullivan reaffirmed the United States commitment to securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas. Mr. Sullivan also discussed the importance of Israel and Egypt concluding talks to reopen the Rafah crossing as soon as possible, and the need for Egypt to ensure the continued flow of humanitarian assistance through Kerem Shalom. Mr. Sullivan emphasized the imperative to further surge assistance throughout Gaza, using all available crossings including Rafah, Erez East, Erez West, and the multinational humanitarian maritime corridor. Mr. Sullivan underscored the critical need for effective deconfliction mechanisms to ensure humanitarian workers can safely deliver aid to those in need throughout Gaza. In his meetings with Mr. Gantz, Mr. Eisenkot and separately with Mr. Lapid, Mr. Sullivan reiterated the US commitment to see Hamas defeated, all hostages released, and the opportunity available for Israel to secure its future and people through a more integrated Middle East region. ### Stay ConnectedSign UpEmail Address* RequiredZIP CodePlease leave blank.We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better. Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden. ShareShare this page on FacebookShare this page on Xhttps://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/20/readout-of-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivans-meetings-in-israel/?utm_source=link HomeThe AdministrationExecutive OfficesPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomThe White HouseDisclosuresGet InvolvedEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 WH.gov Scroll to Top Scroll to Top Top