Prime Minister Netanyahu canceled the Israeli delegation's visit to the United States

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that he has canceled a previously scheduled visit to the United States by an Israeli delegation.

Netanyahu made this decision after the UN Security Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Washington did not veto the vote to pass the resolution.

Netanyahu's office said in a statement that the US's "failure" to prevent the Security Council from passing a cease-fire resolution was an example of a "clear departure" from the US administration's previous position. It would undermine the ongoing war effort against Hamas as well as efforts to free the more than 130 hostages held by Hamas.

Prime Minister Netanyahu decided that the Israeli delegation would not make a scheduled visit to Washington in view of the US "setback."

The United Nations Security Council yesterday passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. In addition to the ceasefire, the resolution also called for the immediate and unconditional release of those held hostage by Hamas. The United States refrained from vetoing the proposal.

Israeli forces have been indiscriminately attacking Gaza for more than five months. More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza so far.

There have been several attempts to pass a resolution in the Security Council calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. Initially, they were blocked by the use of US veto power. This is the first time that a resolution calling for a ceasefire has been passed in the Security Council.

However, the White House denied the allegation of "backtracking from the previous position".

A high-level delegation from the country was due to visit Washington to discuss plans for a possible Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza Strip of Rafah. More than 1 million Palestinians have taken safe haven in Rafah.

White House national security spokesman John Kerby responded to Netanyahu's decision. He said the decision to cancel the tour was unfortunate. But the US will raise concerns about Israel's policy as part of ongoing talks between the two governments.