US urges 'more precise, more targeted' attacks, warns of prolonged war
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Jake Sullivan explains that "Israel" would continue its war "for some time" since it would take more time to continue the hunt for top Hamas leaders.
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John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on December 7, 2023 (AFP)
According to White House Spokesperson John Kirby, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan suggested the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) shift to "low-intensity operations" against Gaza soon.
Sullivan headed to "Israel" to meet with top Israeli officials amid the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
The scheduled visit spans two days and occurs amid a public rift between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding the blowback caused by the Israeli "indiscriminate bombing" campaign and divergent views on the future of Palestinians post-aggression. Sullivan will also address discussions on efforts to secure the release of the eight American captives held by Hamas.
Kirby told reporters at a briefing, "We all want it to end as soon as possible," blaming Hamas for the continued war on Gaza that has killed over 18,787 Palestinians and caused 50,897 injuries.
When asked on Thursday if he wished "Israel" would scale back its bombardment of Gaza by the end of 2023, Biden responded by saying he wanted them to "be focused on how to save civilian lives, not stop going after Hamas but be more careful."
On his part, Sullivan told Israeli Channel 12 that he and his team had “intense, detailed conversations” with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli war cabinet about when the IOF will shift from high-intensity fighting in Gaza to lower-intensity fighting, including targeting top Hamas leaders.
He explained that "Israel" would continue its war "for some time" since it would take more time to continue the hunt for top Hamas leaders.
Translation: The US will allow "Israel" to continue its indiscriminate bombing of civilians for as long as it desires.
Sullivan noted that he could not share details of the discussions but detailed how a different campaign would take place, one which will have "different impacts on the civilian population of Gaza."
US not to pull out 'stop sign' for 'Israel'
When asked if the US will "pull out a stop sign" to the genocidal campaign against the people of Gaza, Sullivan responded that he is not in the occupied territories to "lecture or dictate. Israel is a friend and a partner. We sit down and we consult and we talk as friends," adding that the US "offers its input."
This very "friendship" may cost Biden his reelection and lead to an even further divide between Americans.
Sullivan dared to say that the US input in their conversations was based partially on the support and protection of Gazans, in addition to the goal of eradicating Hamas and positioning the US and "Israel" in a strategic position to "deal with" adversaries in the region, ensuring that officials from both sides had a "wide degree of convergence" on the objectives.
Regarding captives, he detailed exploring options for another captive release and vowed that the US would "stop at nothing" to ensure their release.
Harris wants White House to show more concern for Gaza
Sources told Politico on Thursday that US Vice President Kamala Harris has been telling colleagues in the administration that she wants the White House to publicly express concern about the humanitarian damage in Gaza caused by the Israeli occupation.
According to these sources, US President Joe Biden is one of the authorities Harris has encouraged to be more sensitive to Palestinians.
One senior administration official reported that Harris has argued in internal discussions on the Gaza war that it is time to start preparing "day after" plans for how to deal with the debris of the war.
Another close source reported that she believes the US should be “tougher” on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and believes the administration should be “more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution."
Recently, The Washington Post detailed "to some degree" disagreements within the White House over the handling of the war on Gaza between Biden's top longstanding advisors and a variety of younger workers.
