Halevi said to tell Blinken that Gaza casualties would be higher if Israel followed US advice

During a meeting yesterday of the war cabinet, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israeli leaders they must do more to ensure noncombatants in Gaza are not harmed in the fighting between Israel and Hamas terrorists, Channel 13 news reports.

Citing two sources familiar with the meeting, the network says IDF chief Herzi Halevi countered by telling Blinken there would be even more casualties if the military took the advice of American generals sent to advise Israel on the operation in Gaza.

The report also says that in meetings with Israeli leaders, Blinken stressed American backing for Israel is “wall-to-wall” but that “public opinion” is making it more difficult for the administration to extend such support.

“If you want a long campaign, you must let in broad elements of humanitarian aid,” the American diplomat is quoted as saying.