According to two officials, Israel has informed the U.S. that the intense fighting currently taking place is expected to end within 2-3 weeks.
Two U.S. officials have reported that Israel has informed them that their military campaign against Hamas, which includes intense airstrikes and a significant ground operation, is expected to finish within the next 2-3 weeks.
A government representative warned that while combat operations would not cease completely, there would be a decrease in intensity and fewer bombings. Instead, there would be a focus on targeted strikes as the Israeli forces continue to pursue the remaining leaders of Hamas.
During a meeting on Thursday with national security adviser Jake Sullivan, the Israeli defense minister stated that the conflict will endure for longer than a few months. He also foresees the upcoming phase of targeted attacks to be lengthy.
Biden cautioned that Netanyahu’s administration was losing backing from other countries because of the widespread bombing in the heavily populated area. During a trip to the National Institutes of Health on Thursday, the president was questioned about his stance on Israel potentially reducing their aggressive actions.
He responded, stating that he desires their attention to be directed towards protecting innocent civilians rather than solely targeting Hamas. He does not suggest halting efforts against Hamas, but rather urges caution and consideration in their actions.
The Biden administration has been receiving increasing backlash for its handling of the conflict, specifically for the U.S.’s decision not to push for a new cease-fire. Both the White House and Netanyahu have defended this stance by stating that a new truce could give Hamas militants a chance to regroup.
Officials in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, report that over 18,000 individuals have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict. The prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has not shown any indication of reducing the airstrikes in southern Gaza, despite the devastating impact on innocent civilians and the unknown status of over 100 hostages being held in the area.
The Israeli armed forces reported that during their Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel, Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took over 200 as captives. Approximately half of the hostages have been freed, with the majority being released during a week-long pause in hostilities.
This report was contributed to by Ed O’Keefe and Tucker Reals.
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