US urges Israel to reduce war intensity, supports Palestinian Authority’s leadership in Gaza
The Biden Administration Urges Israel to Shift Strategy in Gaza Conflict
The Biden administration is putting pressure on Israel to change its approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, citing concerns over the increasing number of Palestinian casualties. National security adviser Jake Sullivan recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli war Cabinet, where he emphasized the need for a transition from “high intensity operations” to more targeted and precise actions.
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 News, Sullivan stated, “The issue really is, when does Israel shift from the high-intensity military operations that are underway today to a different phase of this conflict, one that’s more precise, more targeted, more driven towards things like those high-value individuals?”
While the administration has not specified a timeline for this shift, it is considered an inflection point in the conflict. A senior administration official described it as a move from major clearance ground operations to a more targeted and intelligence-driven effort against high-value targets and specific military infrastructure.
During his visit to Israel, Sullivan acknowledged that the war is expected to last for months, a timeline that Israeli officials have also mentioned. However, the Biden administration is advocating for a reduction in aerial bombardment to minimize civilian casualties, even if it increases the risk for ground troops.
The mounting death toll in Gaza, which includes a significant number of women and children, has drawn stronger criticism from U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden. He has called for a focus on saving civilian lives while continuing to target Hamas. These comments have highlighted a growing rift between Biden and Netanyahu, despite the president’s longstanding support for Israel.
Internationally and domestically, the Biden administration faces pressure to push for an end to the conflict. However, it has refrained from calling for a permanent ceasefire that would leave Hamas in power in Gaza. There is also disagreement between Biden and Netanyahu regarding the future governance of Gaza once the war is over and if Hamas is removed from power.
The U.S. government has proposed a “revitalized” Palestinian Authority to lead both Palestinian territories, but Netanyahu has rejected this option. The reconstruction and nation-building process in Gaza is expected to be lengthy and potentially dangerous, as it could give rise to insurgency. The question of governance in the aftermath of the war remains open.
Sullivan is scheduled to meet with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas on Friday.
How can the goal of minimizing civilian casualties be achieved in the Israeli military’s airstrikes on the Gaza Strip?
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Sullivan’s comments come as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with over 200 Palestinians killed and more than 1,300 injured since the conflict began. The Israeli military has been conducting airstrikes on the Gaza Strip in response to rockets fired by Hamas, the militant group that controls the territory.
The Biden administration has expressed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself, but is increasingly concerned about the impact of the military campaign on innocent Palestinians. The administration has also faced pressure from progressive members of the Democratic Party to take a stronger stance against Israel’s actions.
President Joe Biden has been facing a delicate balancing act in his approach to the conflict. While he has maintained a strong alliance with Israel, he has also sought to restore U.S. credibility and rebuild relationships with Palestinian leaders. The Biden administration has pledged millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, and has voiced its support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The administration’s urging of a change in strategy marks a departure from the policies of the previous administration, which strongly supported Israel and largely ignored Palestinian concerns. The Trump administration’s decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and its recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights were widely seen as one-sided and detrimental to the prospects of peace.
Israel has so far resisted calls to shift its strategy, arguing that its actions are necessary to protect its citizens from rocket attacks. Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that Israel will continue its military operations until it achieves its objectives – to degrade Hamas’ capabilities and deter future aggression.
Despite the pressure, it remains to be seen whether Israel will alter its approach. The country’s leadership is faced with the challenge of balancing its security concerns with international criticism and the potential political fallout at home.
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