Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant stated that he informed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Israel is working to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza in exchange for readiness to expand military operations, referring to a potential incursion into Rafah. Galant's stance came during Blinken's visit to Tel Aviv, where he confirmed his country's rejection of military operations in Rafah without a clear plan to protect civilians.