The American website Axios reported, citing an official in Tel Aviv, on Wednesday evening, that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken informed the Prime Minister of the occupation government, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Yoav Galant of the Biden administration’s deep concern about expanding operations in Rafah.

For its part, the US State Department said in a statement that Blinken assured Netanyahu of Washington’s support for Tel Aviv’s right to ensure that the October 7 attacks will not be repeated.

The US State Department added that Blinken stressed to Netanyahu the importance of taking all possible steps to protect civilians in Gaza.