By Aaron Miller-
The Biden administration has advised Israel to postpone a ground invasion of Gaza as part of an effort to buy time for hostage negotiations and to allow more humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians in the sealed-off enclave.
This advice comes as American officials fear the potential escalation of attacks on U.S. interests in the region by Iran-backed groups once Israel’s forces fully enter Gaza.
The United States is not issuing a demand to Israel and still supports its goal of eradicating Hamas, the group controlling Gaza.
However, recent developments, particularly the release of two American women held hostage by Hamas on Friday, have prompted the administration to more urgently suggest that Israel allows time to negotiate the release of the remaining 212 hostages.
President Biden held discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing that humanitarian aid is reaching Gaza.
After the entry of the first two convoys of humanitarian aid on Saturday, they agreed that there would be a continued flow of critical assistance.
They also discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages, including U.S. citizens, and provide safe passage for U.S. citizens and other civilians in Gaza wishing to depart.
The advice to delay a ground invasion is being conveyed through Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III. The Pentagon is helping advise Israel on military actions, including the ground invasion.
Mr. Austin has been in frequent contact with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, discussing operational matters, U.S. arms shipments to Israel, and U.S. military deployments to the region. Recovering the hostages is a top priority.
Israeli diplomats, however, denied that the U.S. government is advising Israel to delay the ground invasion, highlighting their close dialogue and consultations with the U.S. administration.
An official with knowledge of the hostage negotiations revealed that Hamas had warned that a ground invasion would make hostage releases much less likely, and Qatar has been involved in these negotiations.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, in a recent interview, avoided directly answering whether the United States was asking Israel to delay the ground invasion to allow time for hostage negotiations.
However, he stressed that the U.S. was providing advice to Israel on the invasion, emphasizing that protecting civilians is crucial in the crossfire created by Hamas.
Mr. Blinken also highlighted the importance of increasing the flow of food and medical supplies into Gaza as the humanitarian crisis worsens. Israel imposed a complete cutoff of water, electricity, and food to the two million people in Gaza after terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, and they have maintained a naval blockade of Gaza since 2007.
While the U.S. hopes to delay the ground invasion, they are wary of playing into the narrative that Iran and its allies have long spread, suggesting that the United States secretly controls Israel.
Drone attacks have already targeted U.S. forces in the region, and U.S. officials are concerned that giving the impression that the Biden administration is directing Israel’s actions could lead to direct conflict with Iran or pro-Iran groups in the region.
The U.S. has taken security measures by ordering the departure of nonessential American government employees and family members from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the U.S. Consulate in Erbil.
The travel alert in Iraq was increased to Level 4, advising U.S. citizens not to travel to the region due to threats of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and limited U.S. capacity to provide support to its citizens.
Behind closed doors, American officials are cautiously phrasing their advice to Israel. During his recent trip to Tel Aviv, President Biden avoided making specific requests of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Instead, he posed a series of questions that should be addressed before any ground invasion commences and raised concerns about the potential consequences of such an operation. This approach highlights the administration’s cautious stance as it navigates the complexities of the Gaza situation.