US officials warn of “possibility of forming two fronts if large-scale ground forces are deployed”
As Israel announced the deployment of large-scale ground forces in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Palestinian armed political faction Hamas, U.S. President Joe Biden said that Israel and the U.S. were discussing alternatives to a full-scale invasion, the British daily Guardian reported on the 19th (local time). did.
According to reports, President Biden said this after being asked about the deployment of Israeli ground troops on a private plane returning to Washington DC after a visit to Israel.
President Biden said, “We had a long conversation about it (introducing ground troops) and what alternatives there are,” and added, “Our military and the Israeli military are having conversations about alternatives.”
However, President Biden avoided making specific comments about what alternatives were being discussed.
President Biden’s remarks came after IDF spokesman Richard Hett first raised questions about whether a full-scale invasion was inevitable.
“We are preparing for the next phase of the war,” Hett said. “We have not said what that will be.” “Everyone is talking about a ground attack, but it could be something else.”
U.S. officials have warned that a large-scale Israeli ground offensive could provoke Hezbollah retaliation in the north, which could result in the formation of two fronts. They pointed out that the formation of two fronts could lead to a humanitarian disaster and that it is unclear whether it will guarantee the destruction of Hamas.
Israel said that keeping Hamas in Gaza was not an option, although several alternatives were being discussed.
A senior Israeli official said U.S. leaders had visited Israel to talk about lessons learned from their own military operations, including mistakes in Iraq. “The situation is different from that of group residences,” he said.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.