Austin Travels to Israel While the U.S. Advocates for a More Focused Strategy in Gaza

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to Israel on Monday was expected to focus on urging the country to de-escalate its extensive combat operations in Gaza. This visit comes as the U.S., despite its unwavering support for Israel’s offensive, seeks to mitigate the severe impact on Palestinian civilians.

Over the weekend, France, the U.K., and Germany, all key allies of Israel, joined global calls for a ceasefire. Simultaneously, Israeli protesters demanded the government resume negotiations with militants for the release of more hostages after the accidental killing of three individuals by Israeli troops.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained firm, stating Israel’s campaign will continue until Hamas is removed from power, its military strength diminished, and about 129 hostages held since the October 7 attack are returned. The October 7 attack marked the beginning of the current war, leading to a significant Israeli military response.

While the U.S. has vetoed international cease-fire appeals and expedited munitions to Israel, it has also pressured the country to better prevent civilian casualties. The 10-week war has led to the death of over 18,700 Palestinians and transformed northern Gaza into a devastated landscape.

The war has displaced nearly 1.9 million Palestinians, around 85% of Gaza’s population, most of whom are now in U.N.-run shelters or tent camps in the southern part of the territory.

Austin, accompanied by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown, aims to persuade Israeli leaders to shift to a more targeted phase of operations. This includes focused attacks on Hamas leaders, tunnel destruction, and hostage rescues.

Under U.S. influence, Israel has improved evacuation procedures, as seen in the recent operation in Khan Younis. However, Palestinians argue that no area in Gaza is safe from Israeli strikes.

Israel has also reopened its main cargo crossing with Gaza, allowing more aid to enter, though it is still below pre-war levels. This reopening partially fulfills another U.S. request, but the ongoing fighting in the south complicates aid distribution.

The war began with a surprise attack by Hamas, overwhelming Israel’s border defenses. Since then, thousands of militants have crossed into southern Israel, reportedly killing about 1,200 people and abducting around 240 individuals. Most captives were released during a truce in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners, but Hamas holds approximately 129 more.

The response to the October 7 attack has been one of the 21st century’s deadliest offensives, with the Health Ministry in Gaza reporting more than 18,700 Palestinian deaths, although the exact number might be higher due to casualties buried under rubble. The Israeli military reports the death of 126 soldiers and claims to have killed thousands of militants.

Israel attributes civilian deaths to Hamas using them as human shields. The Israeli military rarely comments on individual strikes, which frequently result in civilian casualties.

Israel’s military operations have severely affected Gaza’s hospitals. The World Health Organization (WHO) condemned an Israeli raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, resulting in several deaths and forced evacuations due to the unavailability of ambulances.

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire along the Lebanon border almost daily since the war’s start. Other Iran-backed militant groups have targeted U.S. interests in Syria and Iraq, while Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have attacked ships in the Red Sea.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari warned of Hezbollah leading Lebanon into a devastating war, reminiscent of the month-long conflict in 2006.

The West Bank has also seen significant violence, with nearly 300 Palestinians killed since the war began, marking the deadliest year since 2005. Most deaths occurred during Israeli military raids or violent demonstrations.

U.S. defense leaders, aiming to prevent a wider regional conflict, have maintained a high level of U.S. military presence and urged Israel to reduce its operations. President Joe Biden has expressed concern over Israel’s loss of international support due to its heavy bombardment.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel would continue major combat operations against Hamas for several more months.