Israel ‘significantly refined’ battle plans against Hamas after talks with US, says Biden official

Israel “significantly refined” its original military plan for its war against Hamas following talks with the US, a senior Biden administration official says.

Pressed on whether Washington is having discussions with Israel about the growing numbers of civilian casualties, the senior official insists that the US is “asking hard questions and constantly asking and ensuring there’s clarity about the objectives [they’re] seeking.”

“They have significantly refined what originally was their plan,” the official says in a phone briefing with reporters on condition of anonymity.

The senior official also says that calling for a ceasefire after the October 7 onslaught by Hamas would not be the right policy for the US to take.

A ceasefire “depends on the Israelis feeling secure and ensuring something like this cannot happen again,” the official says.

A “pause,” on the other hand, would allow for safe passage of civilians and for more flow of aid into Gaza.

The official notes that 100 trucks entered Gaza yesterday and says that the US “looks to see that significantly ramped up over the coming over the coming days.”