American officials in President Joe Biden’s administration are engaged in intense discussions with their Israeli counterparts about plans for a ground war in Gaza, according to several US-based sources.
These discussions are taking place amid differences of opinion and US pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to postpone the invasion, creating room for negotiations regarding the release of more hostages held by Hamas.
Four top Israeli defense officials have indicated that the ground invasion has been postponed multiple times.
There are leaks suggesting that negotiations are currently underway for the release of 50 hostages from several countries, including Israeli citizens.
As a result, the US and its Western allies, especially the UK and France, are exerting pressure to delay the invasion because initiating it could impede the chances of securing the release of these individuals.
Moreover, concerns are mounting within the Biden administration about Israel’s commitment to international laws of war and its ability to avoid further civilian casualties.
Particularly worrisome is the Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s support for a broad military operation encompassing Hezbollah in the north and Gaza in the south, a stance contrary to Netanyahu’s.
Simultaneously, there are increasing international calls for additional aid trucks to be sent to Gaza to aid civilians.
Israeli airstrikes in densely populated areas pose a significant challenge to Israel’s plans for a ground assault.
Ministers in the Israeli Security Cabinet support an expedited ground invasion, citing the insufficiency of airstrikes in pursuing Hamas.
The US administration seeks to achieve three primary objectives by exerting pressure on Israel to postpone a ground invasion in Gaza.
First, it aims to create space for negotiations for the release of additional hostages held by Hamas. US families are urging the Biden administration to make efforts to ensure their release before any ground invasion, considering the potential for a protracted and politically far-reaching bloody conflict.
Second, the US administration intends to establish clear boundaries regarding the scope and execution of any ground invasion to minimize civilian casualties.
Furthermore, Washington emphasized the importance of ensuring the delivery of more food, water, and medicine to Palestinian civilians. This commitment was affirmed in a Sunday evening conversation between Biden and Netanyahu.
