But in the middle of the week, military spokespeople hinted that a ground attack “may be different than you think.” They said it can start later and last longer, develop in unexpected ways.
Meanwhile, there have been unprecedented visits by top US officials, including the Secretaries of State and Defense and President Joe Biden. Their support for Israel after its deadliest attack in decades and promises to send warships and weapons were accompanied by a message of caution in how to respond, Bloomberg news agency says.
The US supports Israel’s goal of destroying Hamas‘ military infrastructure in Gaza. This is only possible after a ground invasion, as this group, listed as a terrorist organization by the US and the EU, has been building networks of tunnels and other fortifications for decades.
But according to Israeli officials and people close to the government, U.S. influence is already determining how the offensive will be carried out — particularly how to limit the 2 million. the number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip, and the government’s plans for what will happen when the offensive ends.
Three senior Israeli officials, who spoke to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity, say the U.S. role and influence in this war against Hamas is deeper and more intense than any Washington influence in the past.
The US is increasingly concerned that an Israeli invasion could attract Iran-backed Hezbollah. This could open a second war front and lead to a wider conflict that would further embroil the United States and derail the Biden administration’s efforts to stabilize the region by brokering peace between Israel and key Arab countries.
“President Biden is focused on reducing the likelihood that this war will spread to another front,” said Secretary of State Eli Cohen in an interview. “That’s his main goal.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after Biden’s visit that an agreement had been reached on cooperation that would change the situation everywhere. On his return to Washington on Air Force One, Mr. Biden said he spoke with the Israelis about various “alternatives” to a ground war because of concerns about civilian casualties and the widening of the conflict.
While the US has sent two aircraft carrier groups to the eastern Mediterranean and put it on military alert, Mr. Biden and other officials have stressed the importance of minimizing civilian casualties. In Tel Aviv, the US president called on Netanyahu’s government to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, where civilians are stranded with dwindling food and water supplies and constant Israeli airstrikes. According to US officials, the first shipments from Egypt could arrive as early as Friday.
“Biden is firmly convinced that Hamas must be defeated, but he also wants to maintain and expand strategic alliances and peace agreements between Israel and Arab countries and strengthen American leadership in the Middle East,” said Amos Gilead, a former senior Defense Department official. official “That’s why the humanitarian aspect is so important.”
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#Bidens #influence #turns #Israels #ground #war #plans
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Klein, Middle East Policy Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Klein. We’re seeing a lot of shifts in the Israel-Gaza conflict, particularly with the U.S. involvement in recent days. Can you shed some light on how U.S. influence is shaping Israel’s military response?
**Dr. Klein:** Thank you for having me. The current situation is indeed unprecedented. The U.S. has been careful in its support for Israel, emphasizing the need to limit civilian casualties in Gaza while also supporting Israel’s objective of dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities. The influence the U.S. is exerting is more pronounced than we’ve seen in past conflicts, and this is largely due to the precarious regional dynamics at play.
**Editor:** That brings up an important point. With Iranian-backed Hezbollah potentially entering the fray, how is that complicating the situation for both Israel and the U.S.?
**Dr. Klein:** Absolutely. There’s a significant concern within the Biden administration over the possibility that a ground invasion could open a second front with Hezbollah. This could rapidly escalate the conflict and further embroil the U.S. in a broader war, which is the last thing they want as they’re trying to stabilize relationships in the region and push for peace negotiations with key Arab nations.
**Editor:** What are the implications of President Biden’s visit to the region and his message of caution in terms of military action?
**Dr. Klein:** Biden’s visit underscores the U.S. commitment to Israel while also serving as a warning. It reflects a dual approach of supporting Israel’s right to defend itself while calling for a measured response to minimize civilian casualties. The administration is focused on preventing the conflict from spiraling out of control, and this balance is crucial not just for Israel’s future but for regional stability as well.
**Editor:** Lastly, could you comment on the sentiment among Israeli officials regarding U.S. involvement? How are they perceiving this dynamic?
**Dr. Klein:** Israeli officials are acutely aware of the U.S. influence on their military strategy. While they appreciate the support, many fear that excessive caution could restrict their operational capabilities against Hamas. There’s a delicate balance to strike between carrying out an effective military campaign and adhering to U.S. calls for restraint, especially with public sentiment in Israel also playing a significant role after the recent attacks.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Klein, for your insights into this complex and evolving situation. It’s clear that the interplay between military strategy and diplomatic relations is crucial as events unfold.
**Dr. Klein:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important time to watch how these dynamics evolve in the region.
