In a recent development, Israel has indicated to the Biden administration that their decision to pull troops out of southern Gaza is mainly for “rest and refit,” according to John Kirby, the White House National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications. The Israeli military confirmed that they now have just one division in Gaza after the other division left. Kirby emphasized that the move is not a partial withdrawal but rather an evolution of the war. The rationale behind this decision has not been entirely clear, but Kirby mentioned that the troops need a break after four months of consecutive deployment.
Kirby stated that the administration has been clear with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that they do not support a ground operation in Rafah, a heavily populated area in southern Gaza. He mentioned that there are alternative options to go after Hamas, and the administration looks forward to discussing these alternatives with Israeli officials in upcoming meetings. The pullout of troops from Khan Yunis was done in preparation for future missions, including operations in Rafah, according to Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The move was made after Hamas ceased to exist as a military framework in Khan Yunis, just north of Rafah.
The ongoing conflict between the Israel Defense Forces and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group has also been a cause for concern. The IDF recently completed another phase in preparation for further conflict along its northern border with Lebanon. The IDF emphasized their readiness for war through operational emergency storages and mobilization of troops when required. The recent strike that killed seven humanitarian workers in Gaza has led to criticism of the Israeli government. The U.S. has not seen any indication of Israel violating international humanitarian law, but they continue to monitor the situation closely.
Following the strike, President Biden was firm with Netanyahu during a call, emphasizing the need for sustained changes in Israel’s operations on the ground and in facilitating humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Israel approved the opening of three humanitarian aid corridors as requested by the president. However, some members of the president’s party have called for more accountability from Israel’s government amid a high civilian death toll in Gaza. Senator Chris Van Hollen highlighted the importance of outlining consequences should Israel disregard the president’s requests in the future.
The Israeli military has taken action in response to the strike, firing two officers and reprimanding three others for their roles in the incident. Despite these measures, calls for increased accountability from Israel’s government continue. The Biden administration is committed to working with Israel to address humanitarian concerns in Gaza while also emphasizing the need for Israel to make changes in their operations. The situation remains ongoing, with discussions and meetings planned to address the evolving dynamics in the region.
