"Perplexed": US After Israel Delegation Cancels Visit Over UN Vote On Gaza Ceasefire

"We're kind of perplexed" by the cancelation, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists, saying it "seems like the (Israeli) prime minister's office is choosing to create a perception of daylight here when they don't need to."

The White House said Monday it was "perplexed" and "disappointed" by the cancelation of an Israeli delegation's planned visit to discuss US concerns over a possible offensive in southern Gaza.

Israel scrapped the visit after the United States abstained from a UN Security Council vote demanding an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza -- a move that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said hurt Israel's fight against Palestinian militant group Hamas.

"We're kind of perplexed" by the cancelation, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists, saying it "seems like the (Israeli) prime minister's office is choosing to create a perception of daylight here when they don't need to."