Biden emphasizes the protection of civilian lives during national security adviser's meeting with Netanyahu amidst growing tensions
President Biden emphasizes the need to prioritize civilian safety in Israel's mission against Hamas, addressing concerns over escalating tensions
President Joe Biden expressed his desire for the Israeli military to prioritize the protection of civilian lives during its efforts to halt Hamas and address criticism of its operations in Gaza. After speaking about prescription drug prices at the National Institutes of Health, he was questioned about his stance on Israel's military actions against Hamas in Gaza.
Biden responded, "I want them to prioritize the protection of civilian lives. They should continue targeting Hamas, but with greater caution."
This came as Biden's national security adviser is set to meet with Israeli officials for the next two days, urging them to conduct more precise operations against Hamas in Gaza.
Jake Sullivan's visit coincides with a public disagreement between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the increasing civilian casualties in Gaza and differing views on the future of Palestinians post-combat operations. In addition to these discussions, Sullivan will also address the ongoing efforts to secure the release of eight American hostages being held by Hamas. Following a meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday, Sullivan is scheduled to meet with other high-ranking Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog, until Friday.
Sullivan and National Security Council spokesman John Kirby discussed the possibility of transitioning the Israeli assault on Hamas to "lower intensity operations" in the near future. Kirby mentioned that Sullivan asked probing questions about the offensive, specifically about efforts to improve precision in targeting. Sullivan also emphasized the importance of moving to a new phase of the conflict, considering the high civilian death toll in Gaza.
"Kirby said that there have been discussions about the potential shift from high intensity operations, such as those currently being carried out, to lower intensity operations in the near future."
A senior US official has indicated that the Biden administration has communicated to Israel its desire for a transition to a lower intensity phase of the conflict with Hamas within the coming weeks, possibly by the end of the year.
The US is optimistic that the new phase will reduce the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza, which has sparked international concern. According to CNN, US officials anticipate that Israel's ground invasion of Gaza will focus on the southern end of the strip for several weeks before shifting to a more targeted approach aimed at specific Hamas militants and leaders, possibly by January.
US officials are aware that Israel will persist in targeting the leaders of Hamas and consider it very important for Israel to neutralize these leaders. Nonetheless, they consistently urge Israel to take measures to safeguard civilians while pursuing the group responsible for the October 7 terrorist attacks.
Following his meeting with Sullivan, Netanyahu released a statement asserting that he will settle for nothing less than complete triumph over Hamas.
"The sacrifice of our courageous soldiers will not be forgotten," stated the Israeli prime minister. "Despite the grief of their loss, we are resolute in our determination to pursue the complete elimination of Hamas - until we achieve a definitive victory."
During a meeting on Thursday, Israel's Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, informed Sullivan that the conflict in Gaza is expected to extend for "several months or longer," as reported by Israel's Ministry of Defense.
During a meeting, Gallant stated that it will take some time - possibly more than several months, but expressed confidence in winning and defeating Hamas. The Israeli Ministry of Defense released a transcript of the meeting on Thursday. Gallant also expressed gratitude to Sullivan for the US support in Israel's campaign in Gaza, emphasizing the common interests, values, and goals shared by the United States and Israel in this war.
Netanyahu's office stated that the prime minister and Sullivan reaffirmed their dedication to securing the release of all hostages in Gaza. They also discussed the ongoing conflict with the goal of achieving victory, including the elimination of Hamas, the release of hostages, dismantling Hamas' military capabilities, and ending their rule in Gaza.
Palestinians are seen trying to salvage usable items from the ruins of a building in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, which was destroyed in the Israeli attacks. The aerial view captures the devastation of the residential area on December 12.
Ashraf Amra/Anadolu/Getty Images
Nearly half of the Israeli munitions dropped on Gaza are imprecise dumb bombs, US intelligence assessment finds
During his visit, Sullivan will engage in "highly impactful discussions" with Israeli authorities, according to National Security Council representative John Kirby at a White House briefing on Wednesday. The focus will be on working towards more precise and targeted efforts to minimize harm to civilians, Kirby added.
Of the 100+ hostages currently held by Hamas since the October 7 attack on Israel, eight are American. The attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals.
The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry reports that over 18,000 Palestinians have lost their lives and more than 50,000 have been wounded in the Israeli response. On Wednesday, Biden held a meeting with the family members of the eight American hostages at the White House.
Before arriving in Israel, Sullivan journeyed to Saudi Arabia to meet with the country's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to a source familiar with the situation. While in Saudi Arabia, Sullivan intended to engage in discussions about the broader diplomatic initiatives led by the Biden administration to uphold stability in the region, the source noted, which included efforts to discourage Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Additionally, he aimed to further the progress that was already in motion before the October 7 attacks in normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which involved taking steps toward fostering peace with the Palestinians.
