US official: Current limited IDF ground ops in line with our recommendations

The Biden administration has pushed Israel to carry out a more limited ground operation in the Gaza Strip, as the IDF is currently conducting in the northern part of the enclave, a US official tells The Times of Israel.

The US official says Israel’s leaders also currently oppose an all-out ground offensive at this stage because it could well risk the hostages currently in Gaza; and accordingly did not need pressure from Washington in order to choose the current military path.

There remains in the Biden administration skepticism regarding Israel’s broader strategy, given that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not said who Jerusalem wants to govern Gaza once it succeeds in its goal of toppling Hamas, the US official says, adding that Washington is privately raising its concerns with the premier and his top aides.