In the midst of contrasting statements from Israel and the United States, alongside President Biden's recent remarks, The New York Times has reported a crucial development. According to the newspaper, the White House has "suggested to Israel to delay its ground entry into the Gaza Strip." The rationale behind this recommendation is to create additional time for negotiations concerning the release of hostages. Furthermore, the report emphasizes that the U.S. is also concerned about potential attacks by pro-Iranian militias on American interests within the Middle East.
However, it is essential to clarify that, according to The New York Times, the U.S. government still supports Israel's potential entry into the Gaza Strip and does not impose a strict requirement to postpone it. According to the report, the recent release of Yehudit and Natalie Ra'anan has intensified the pressure exerted by the U.S. administration on Israel to delay its ground operation. An informed source involved in the negotiations, primarily conducted through Qatari mediation, disclosed that Hamas has issued warnings about the impact of an IDF ground entry into Gaza on the chances of securing the release of additional hostages.
The Pentagon promises many difficulties in conducting a ground operation in the Gaza Strip
— Sprinter (@Sprinter99800) October 23, 2023
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin commented on the statement of the Israeli head of the Ministry of Defense that the operation could take up to three months.
“First of all, everyone… pic.twitter.com/5itSnzZ34G
According to American sources, Defense Minister Lloyd Austin is the key figure behind the U.S. advice to exercise restraint regarding ground operations. Austin maintains regular communication with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Galant, covering various aspects, including operational strategies, arms deliveries to Israel, and the deployment of U.S. military forces in the region. It is worth noting that Austin has elevated the release of the abducted individuals to a top priority on the U.S. agenda.
U.S. officials express their hope for a delayed ground entry into Gaza but are cautious about inadvertently supporting Iran and its allies' narrative that the U.S. secretly controls Israel's actions. They aim to avoid the perception that the Biden administration is manipulating events, which could potentially lead to direct confrontations with Iran or its supported militias.
IDF: The Chief of the General Staff in a discussion with commanders and soldiers in the south: "I trust you, both in spirit and in strength, and in the State of Israel - everyone trusts us."
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) October 15, 2023
Israel Defence Forces are all set for a Ground Assault against Hamas in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/69Xk6kOwiu
When questioned about the U.S. stance on advising Israel to postpone ground entry, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, in an interview with CBS, did not explicitly confirm such pressure. However, he emphasized that Washington is indeed providing guidance to Israel on this matter. Blinken underscored the importance of the approach, particularly regarding the protection of civilians, and pointed out that Hamas plays a significant role in the current situation. He stated, "It is not just about what we do but also how we do it," highlighting the need to ensure the maximum possible protection of civilians while assisting Israel in achieving its desired outcomes.
A compelling interpretation of the American advice could suggest that the U.S. military might not be fully prepared in the Middle East to respond to potential threats from Iranian proxies. This, in turn, could imply that they are cautioning Israeli leadership to exercise restraint.
