The US State Department has described Israel's decision to cancel a delegation's trip to Washington over the US decision not to veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire as "a bit surprising and unfortunate."
But Matthew Miller, spokesman for the State Department, said that the US still expects to present Israeli officials with alternatives to a planned military attack against the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
The US and other Israeli allies have warned against an attack on Rafah, citing concerns that any assault could have devastating consequences for the civilian population.
The Israeli delegation was supposed to discuss Rafah, but the trip was cancelled by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in the war in Gaza, and the immediate release of all hostages being held captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The US abstained from the vote rather than use its veto power.
"We are ready to present to them plans that we believe would achieve their legitimate goal, which is the defeat of Hamas, but will do so in a way that does not cause undue civilian harm, and does not weaken Israel's overall security," Miller said on Monday.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken remains scheduled to meet with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant on Monday in Washington.