In a recent development concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the United States government has been intensifying its pressure on Israel to transition from relying heavily on ground forces to adopting a more limited ground presence and utilizing strikes from the air, including the use of drones and artillery. This shift in approach aims to minimize civilian casualties, as the world watches the heartbreaking scenes of destruction unfolding in Gaza.
While the international community is witnessing the devastating impact of the conflict through videos and images, it appears that public support within Israel remains high for the Israeli government's current level of attacks. Interviews conducted with Israeli citizens indicate that there is little pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to scale back the military operations.
Amidst these deliberations, Ron Dermer, one of Netanyahu's top advisors, held extensive discussions with officials from the Biden administration in Washington regarding Israel's plans for deescalation. Although the details of their conversation remain undisclosed, it is likely that they focused on Israel's proposed phased approach to the conflict. Reports suggest that Israel envisions a prolonged war that could potentially last for months, or even years, similar to Operation Defensive Shield in the past.
According to Israeli estimates, the current military campaign has resulted in the elimination of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 Hamas operatives. However, considering the total number of Hamas operatives, which ranges from 24,000 to 40,000, Israeli forces are still a considerable distance away from achieving their strategic objectives. The capture or elimination of Hamas leaders, including the head of the military wing and Gaza's leader, Sinwar, remains pending.
Beyond the immediate conflict in Gaza, there are growing concerns about the wider implications and the threat of escalation in the region. U.S. officials have highlighted the increasing number of attacks on American infrastructure and targets in Iraq and Syria, with over 100 incidents reported. Additionally, there have been over 100 strikes on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Israel-Lebanon border has also witnessed more than 1,000 strikes. The U.S. views these Iranian-backed activities as potential triggers for further escalation, stressing the need for vigilance and deterrence.
In conclusion, as the conflict in Gaza persists, the U.S. government is exerting pressure on Israel to modify its military strategy. The support for Israel's actions remains strong within the country, but concerns are mounting over the wider implications in the region. The engagement of senior officials from both countries indicates a recognition of the long-term nature of the conflict, with the hope of finding a balanced approach to minimize casualties and preserve regional stability.
