Israeli Offensive Against Hamas to Continue for Several Weeks
According to sources, the Israelis have informed the U.S. that the current phase of their offensive against Hamas will be completed within the next 2-3 weeks. While this does not signify the end of combat operations, it does indicate a reduction in intensity and a shift towards more targeted strikes as the Israelis focus on eliminating the remaining leadership of Hamas.
During a meeting with national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday, the Israeli defense minister expressed his belief that the war will extend beyond several months, suggesting that the next phase of targeted raids will be a lengthy one.
The U.S. has been urging Israel to take greater measures to protect civilians during their offensive. President Biden recently criticized the Israeli government for "indiscriminate bombing" in the densely populated region, stating that it was causing a loss of international support. When asked about whether he wants Israel to scale back its offensive during a visit to the National Institutes of Health, the president did not provide a direct response.
"I want them to be focused on how to save civilian lives," he replied. "Not stop going after Hamas, but to be more careful."
The Biden administration has been facing mounting criticism for its response to the war, including the U.S.' refusal to call for a new cease-fire. The White House and Netanyahu have argued that any new truce would allow Hamas militants to regroup.
Health officials in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip say more than 18,000 people have been killed during the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown no willingness to ease the bombing campaign in southern Gaza despite catastrophic losses of civilian life and uncertainty over the fate of more than 100 hostages who are still believed to be held in the territory.
Israel's military says Hamas militants killed 1,200 and kidnapped over 200 in their Oct. 7 terror rampage across southern Israel. About half the hostages have been released, most of them during a week-long cease-fire.
