Strategic Guidance: US Military Advisers Urge Israeli Restraint in Gaza Conflict for Lasting Peace

American military officials are advising Israel to avoid engaging in brutal, urban combat similar to the tactics used by the US against insurgents during the Iraq War. This guidance is aimed at preventing the Israelis from getting stuck in intense house-to-house fighting as they plan for an assault on Gaza. Multiple sources, who are knowledgeable about the situation, disclosed this information to CNN.

To assist the Israel Defense Forces in devising various strategies to defeat Hamas, American military advisers currently stationed in Israel are drawing on lessons learned from the particularly violent Battle of Fallujah in 2004, which was a key event during the Iraq War.

To avoid risking the lives of hostages and civilians, as well as escalating tensions in the region, Israeli military advisers are recommending the utilization of a combination of precision airstrikes and targeted special operations raids in Gaza, instead of a large-scale ground assault. This approach is informed by the tactics employed by US-led coalition forces during their battle to regain control of Mosul from ISIS in Iraq. The presence of tunnels constructed by both Hamas and ISIS in their respective territories, along with the use of civilians as human shields, resulted in a protracted and challenging operation to reclaim the city.

In order to convey this message effectively, the Biden administration has dispatched Gen. James Glynn, a three-star Marine Corps general, to advise the IDF on tactical assault planning. Gen. Glynn, who previously led the Marine Forces Special Operations Command, possesses extensive expertise in urban warfare from his service in Fallujah, Iraq, where he commanded troops during intense battles between US forces and insurgents, according to officials.

Following the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, the US has grown increasingly concerned about the viability of Israel's strategy to enter Gaza with a large contingent of ground troops. Officials fear that this approach may be ill-conceived and could result in a protracted and violent Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip.

The US has warned Israel to consider the potential risks of a complete ground invasion on the safety of over 200 hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza, as well as the civilians trapped without means of escape. Additionally, the US has emphasized the importance of thoughtful governance following an invasion for the millions of Palestinians residing in the Gaza strip.

According to a source familiar with the concerns within the Biden administration, there are doubts regarding Israel's plan for the aftermath of a full-scale ground invasion.

Use his head, not his heart

According to individuals knowledgeable about the matter, the goals and tactics pursued by Israel have been a pivotal topic of conversation among American and European officials in the last week. This is part of their joint effort to harmonize their approach towards Israel.

President Joe Biden held conversations on Sunday with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United Kingdom regarding the crisis. The objective was to seek alignment on the crucial matter of supporting Israel, while also obtaining a clearer understanding of the future course of action. In parallel, CIA director Bill Burns engaged in consecutive phone calls with regional partners and allies, including the Israeli intelligence service Mossad, the United States' Arab allies, and its NATO partners. The aim was to prevent the escalation of the conflict into a broader regional conflict and to facilitate the secure liberation of hostages that are still being held by Hamas.

President Joe Biden greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion International Airport, Oct. 18, 2023, in Tel Aviv.

In recent discussions between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the President advised Netanyahu to carefully consider the potential consequences and develop a well-thought-out exit strategy for any potential invasion, according to officials. The two leaders had conversations on Sunday and Monday, during which Biden urged Netanyahu to make decisions based on rational thinking rather than emotions, according to a reliable source.

Nevertheless, many within the US government believe that Israel is highly likely to carry out a comprehensive ground invasion. This is primarily due to the intense domestic sentiment in Israel, which may leave Netanyahu with no alternative. Netanyahu reportedly informed the Israel Defence Forces Yahalom unit on Tuesday, stating, "We are now entering the next phase; it is imminent. You are well aware of it and you play a crucial role as the forefront."

"We have only one mission - to smash Hamas," he added. "We will not stop until we complete it, with your help."

Military to military channels

In 2014, Netanyahu initiated a ground invasion into Gaza in an attempt to weaken Hamas. Although the war caused significant damage to Hamas, it ultimately failed to remove the militant group from the coastal enclave. Despite several instances of increased tensions and clashes with Gaza, Israel has not undertaken another incursion since.

According to a senior Israeli official, the United States has not instructed Israel to deescalate or refrain from crossing any "red lines."

An IDF soldier guides an armored personnel carrier in southern Israel on October 21, 2023.

"Amidst the war, it is advised to remain attentive to these various aspects," stated the official. "The United States has garnered substantial expertise in combatting conflicts in urban environments, such as in Fallujah and Mosul. Therefore, you [the United States] possess valuable familiarity in a similar scenario. It is beneficial to exchange experiences among allies."

"In all our discussions, we consistently emphasize the significance of establishing worthwhile goals, meaningful objectives, and devising a plan to attain those objectives," conveyed State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday. "We have been actively involved at various levels, with the Pentagon engaging in military-to-military channels to discuss the potential layout of their operations."

An official disclosed that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin engages in daily conversations with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, focusing on Israel's military requirements and strategy. One topic that is frequently discussed pertains to the complications arising from the extensive network of tunnels constructed by Hamas within Gaza, and how it may impede a potential ground invasion.

"The point is, have you given this enough consideration?" emphasized a Western diplomat. "Coming from allies who have previously found themselves entangled in counterinsurgency situations in unfriendly regions, we can confidently affirm that you must establish a clear exit strategy, as things can escalate rapidly and become chaotic."

Gallant conveyed to a specialized Israeli army commando unit on Tuesday that Israel is obliged to eradicate Hamas and cautioned that the conflict is only in its initial phases.

"Get ready for the upcoming tasks as the war is just about to commence. Regrettably, there will be a price to pay," expressed Gallant. "Make thorough preparations, both physically and mentally, ensuring you have the necessary equipment and resources. Once we reach the battleground, we will obliterate Hamas completely. Without doing so, our existence here would be impossible," he added.

A fight without mercy, but not without rules

Israel has been urged by the US and its allies to adhere to international humanitarian law if it decides to launch a military invasion. According to a source, Israel is being careful in its preparation for a ground incursion as it understands that any missteps could lead to the loss of moral superiority. The source also acknowledged that Israel is already facing challenges in maintaining the moral high ground, citing the swift condemnation it received over the hospital explosion, which Israel claims was caused by a mistake from Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Israel on Tuesday where he expressed his support for Netanyahu. However, he also emphasized the importance of conducting this fight against Hamas with both firmness and adherence to established rules. Macron further proposed the formation of an international coalition, similar to the US-led coalition formed under the Obama administration to combat ISIS, to counter Hamas.

A French official informed CNN that the aim is to utilize the International Coalition against [ISIS] as a reference point to identify strategies that can be replicated in dealing with Hamas. It is important to note that the International Coalition against [ISIS] encompasses not only ground operations, but also includes training Iraqi forces, exchanging information among partners, and addressing terrorism financing.

However, a Western official, who is well-informed about the situation, stated that the formation of an international coalition would largely rely on obtaining more clarity from Israel regarding the objectives of its ground invasion.

Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, revealed in an interview with CNN last week that Israel has no desire to occupy Gaza. However, Israeli officials have cautioned that the operation in Gaza will likely be extensive.

A defense minister from NATO previously informed CNN that their advice to Israel is not to refrain from taking action, as they fully acknowledge Israel's right to pursue Hamas wherever they may be. Rather, the advice is to carefully consider the consequences and develop a comprehensive strategy, rather than relying solely on tactical maneuvers. It is expected that Israel will abide by the principles of international humanitarian law, while recognizing the challenges of dealing with a formidable adversary.

CNNs Alex Marquardt, Jennifer Hansler, Kevin Liptak and Pamela Brown contributed to this report.