Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – United States (US) officials expressed concern that Israel does not have clear plans to send ground troops to Gaza. They also question whether the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) can achieve its goal of eliminating the Hamas group.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed the need for “careful consideration” before launching a ground campaign in the densely populated region. He conveyed this in a recent discussion with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as reported by the media The New York Times.
“Government [AS] “is also concerned… that the Israel Defense Forces do not yet have a clear military path to achieving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s goal of eradicating Hamas,” said the media report, quoted Tuesday (24/10/2023).
“In conversations with Israeli officials since the Hamas attack on October 7, American officials have said they have not seen an achievable plan of action.”
Although the White House says American officials do not make decisions on Israel’s behalf, the Pentagon has reportedly sent three-star Marine Lt. Gen. James Glynn to advise the IDF on urban operations.
The officer previously commanded US special operators tasked with fighting ISIS, and previously served in Fallujah, Iraq, in some of the most violent house-to-house fighting following the 2003 US invasion.
Report Associated Pressciting an unnamed US official, said Glynn would advise Israeli forces on “how to reduce civilian casualties in urban warfare.”
National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby told reporters Monday that American advisers would not serve in a combat role, and would only consult with Israeli commanders.
Meanwhile, another unnamed official told The New York Times that Glynn would not remain in Israel if a land invasion began.
During a call with Gallant on Monday, Defense Secretary Austin reportedly stressed “the importance of protecting civilians,” and “encouraged” the Israeli military to “conduct their operations in accordance with the laws of war.”
The IDF has come under criticism from several human rights groups for attacks on civilian buildings in Gaza, which have left more than 5,000 Palestinians dead and thousands injured.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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