The Biden administration backs Israel against Hamas but urges a cessation of Israel's extensive Gaza ground campaign, citing concerns about civilian casualties and deeming it "collective punishment." Advocating precise strikes on Hamas while safeguarding Gazan civilians, officials pressed for a transition to a more targeted phase.
During talks between White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the emphasis was on a shift toward surgical strikes without specifying a timeline. President Biden stressed the need for Israel to remain focused on combatting Hamas while being more mindful of civilian lives.
The proposed transition entails moving from intense clearance operations to a lower-intensity focus on high-value targets and intelligence-driven raids, a strategy acknowledged to require time, even if the conflict's intensity decreases. Biden's prior warning about Israel losing global support due to perceived "indiscriminate bombing" underscores the administration's attempt to balance security and humanitarian concerns in the region.
Key Points:
1. The Biden administration wants Israel to shift from large-scale ground operations to a more focused and targeted approach against Hamas.
2. The call for a transition comes amid concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, with the death toll approaching 20,000, according to local health officials.
3. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan discussed the shift in strategy with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians.
4. While there is no specific timetable provided for the transition, the focus is on conducting more surgical and precise military operations against Hamas.
5. President Joe Biden emphasized the need for Israel to be "more careful" and to prioritize saving civilian lives while continuing to target Hamas.
6. The administration acknowledges that it will take months for Israel to eliminate Hamas leaders, even as the conflict shifts to a more targeted phase.
7. The discussion between the US and Israel aims to balance Israel's security concerns with the imperative to minimize civilian casualties.
8. President Biden previously expressed concerns about Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" and warned that it could lead to a decline in global support for Israel.
9. The emphasis is on transitioning from high-intensity clearance operations to more targeted and intelligence-driven raids.
10. The evolving situation underscores the delicate balance the US seeks to maintain between supporting Israel's security and advocating for measures to protect civilians in the conflict.
(With Agency Inputs)
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