The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
U.S., Israeli defense chiefs meet amid rising tensions
U.S. defense leaders met with Israel’s minister of defense on Tuesday as the United States warns against a ground invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, but rising tensions between the two allies put any progress in question.
In remarks at the start of the Pentagon meeting, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said they would discuss alternative ways to target Hamas in Rafah, and he described civilian casualties in Gaza as “far too high” and aid deliveries as “far too low.” But he also repeated the belief that Israel has the right to defend itself and the U.S. would always be there to help.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the ongoing threats to Israel, and said the meeting would address ways to destroy Hamas and get the Israeli hostages released, as well as plans to return displaced residents to their homes.
Austin made no mention of threats to limit or condition future military aid to Israel on humanitarian gains, a growing sentiment among members of Congress and others.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead with Israel’s offensive. He blasted a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a pause to the fighting, saying Tuesday that it had emboldened Hamas to reject a separate cease-fire.
As the war in Gaza grinds through a sixth month, each side has publicly insisted that its own idea of victory is in reach and rejected international efforts to stem the bloodshed.
Israel says it can achieve its aims of dismantling Hamas and returning scores of hostages if it expands its ground offensive to the crowded city of Rafah. Hamas has said it will hold on to the hostages until Israel agrees to end the war.