Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks during a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at Israel’s Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, Israel December 18, 2023. REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, announced on Monday a planned transition to the next phase of operations in Gaza, following discussions with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on reducing combat intensity and minimizing harm to civilians. The gradual shift is expected to allow the local population to return to Gaza’s north, the most densely populated area, after complying with Israel’s evacuation instructions due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Gallant did not provide a specific timeline for the transition to what Austin described as “more surgical” operations. The Defense Minister highlighted the intention to distinguish between different areas in Gaza, with a potential earlier return for residents in the north. The move comes amid increasing international pressure for a ceasefire, with over 19,000 civilian casualties reported from the extensive bombing campaign and ground war aimed at dismantling Hamas.
While the U.S. has traditionally supported Israel with weapons and diplomatic backing, recent comments from President Joe Biden expressed concern about “indiscriminate” bombing, signaling a shift in tone. However, Defense Secretary Austin reaffirmed unshakable American support for Israel’s security, emphasizing that Israel is not alone.
The U.S. has called for a more focused approach, advocating for intelligence-driven attacks on Hamas leadership. Austin clarified that this adjustment in strategy does not signify the end of the operation but rather a more precise and targeted focus on specific objectives. Israel maintains that the airstrikes since October 7 have targeted militarily relevant sites.
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