The recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has sparked debate and raised questions about its implications. Former U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper shared his insights on the weight of the ruling, stating that it puts pressure on Israel to roll back its operations. However, Esper highlighted Israel's likely dismissal of the ruling, citing a perceived anti-Israel bias within the United Nations and its agencies.
Esper noted that Israel's ongoing operations in Rafah have seen a reduction in civilian exposure due to a significant decrease in the local population. He also mentioned the administration's support for Israel's updated plans in the region.
Regarding potential U.N. Security Council actions, Esper predicted that the United States would oppose any calls for an immediate ceasefire, expressing concerns about the impact of international pressure on negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Esper raised doubts about Hamas' sincerity in negotiating a temporary ceasefire, pointing out their demands that are deemed unacceptable by Israel. He emphasized the challenges in bridging the gap between the two sides and criticized Hamas for its tactics, including the recent recovery of Israeli bodies after months of delay.
On the topic of negotiations, Esper acknowledged the complexity of trust issues, mentioning reports of Egypt altering agreement terms to favor Hamas. He stressed the need for Israel to focus on post-military governance in Gaza, including security, public services, and administration.
Looking ahead, Esper highlighted the broader goal of achieving peace and security between Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning and long-term solutions.
