US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite international calls for restraint, Israel continued its offensive in Gaza, carrying out air strikes that resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, according to local authorities. The meeting between Sullivan and Israeli officials focused on transitioning to a phase of the conflict that targets the leadership of Hamas and emphasizes intelligence-driven operations. However, the timing of this shift has not been specified.
Sullivan emphasized that the United States supports Israel’s position that the war on Gaza will continue for several more months. He also expressed the US’s commitment to working towards the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza. Later, Sullivan will travel to the occupied West Bank to meet with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas.
During his meeting with Netanyahu, Sullivan expressed the view that it is not appropriate for Israel to occupy Gaza in the long term. He stated that the control and administration of Gaza should eventually transition to the Palestinians. The US has suggested that the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, which oversees the West Bank, could play a role in governing Gaza instead of Hamas, and this possibility may be discussed further with Abbas.
The US’s position on the conflict has faced criticism, with some arguing that it is being humiliated by Israel. Marwan Bishara, a senior political analyst, stated that the US is following Israel’s orders and that the relationship between the two countries is not equal. The US has been a key military backer of Israel in its war on Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 18,700 Palestinians, predominantly women and children.
Despite recent criticism, the US has shown a shift in its stance towards Israel’s actions. President Joe Biden called on Israel to be more mindful of civilian lives and to exercise restraint. However, Israel has continued its offensive in Gaza and recently carried out a lengthy raid in the occupied West Bank. The international community, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and France, has urged Israel to take immediate action to address settler violence in the West Bank.
The conflict in Gaza and the occupied West Bank has resulted in numerous casualties and heightened tensions in the region. The meeting between Sullivan and Israeli officials highlights the ongoing efforts to address the situation and find a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
