The Israelis have informed the U.S. that the present part of their offensive towards Hamas, with heavy air strikes and a big floor operation, must be full within the subsequent 2-3 weeks, in accordance with two U.S. officers.
One official cautioned that this may not imply an finish to fight operations, however it might carry a few decreased depth and a decrease stage of bombing with extra focused strikes whereas the Israelis pursue the remaining management of Hamas.
In a gathering with nationwide safety adviser Jake Sullivan Thursday, the Israeli protection minister stated the battle “will final greater than a number of months,” predicting the subsequent part of focused raids is prone to be a protracted one.
The U.S. has been urging Israel to do extra to guard civilians because it conducts its offensive. Earlier this week, President Biden warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s authorities was shedding worldwide help because of “indiscriminate bombing” within the densely populated area. And on Thursday, throughout a go to to the National Institutes of Health, the president was requested if he desires Israel to cut back its offensive.
“I would like them to be targeted on how one can save civilian lives,” he replied. “Not cease going after Hamas, however to be extra cautious.”
The Biden administration has been dealing with mounting criticism for its response to the battle, together with the U.S.’ refusal to name for a brand new cease-fire. The White House and Netanyahu have argued that any new truce would enable Hamas militants to regroup.
Health officers within the Hamas-run Gaza Strip say greater than 18,000 folks have been killed in the course of the battle. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proven no willingness to ease the bombing marketing campaign in southern Gaza regardless of catastrophic losses of civilian life and uncertainty over the destiny of greater than 100 hostages who’re nonetheless believed to be held within the territory.
Israel’s army says Hamas militants killed 1,200 and kidnapped over 200 of their Oct. 7 terror rampage throughout southern Israel. About half the hostages have been launched, most of them throughout a week-long cease-fire.
Ed O’Keefe and Tucker Reals contributed to this report.
