The United States is asking Israel to delay the start of its ground operation in the Gaza Strip to better prepare for theoretical attacks on its military forces in the region and to buy time to release hostages. This was reported by New York Times With reference to sources.
As can be understood from the text, NYT interlocutors expect an increase in the number of attacks against American armed forces in the region after the start of the Israeli Armed Forces’ ground operation in the Gaza Strip. According to sources, similar actions may be carried out by regional groups supported by Iran.
Additionally, according to the newspaper, Washington wants Israel to postpone the operation in order to give more time to negotiations on the release of the hostages.
The interlocutors stated that the request to postpone the land operation was conveyed through US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The Pentagon chief is in constant contact with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant as the parties continue to discuss military support for the Jewish state.
The text states that Lloyd Austin told Gallant that rescuing the hostages was a priority for Washington.
7 October Hamas forces launched Several thousand rockets were fired at Israel and the launch of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was announced. Thousands of militants invaded Israeli territory, seizing dozens of military equipment and more than a hundred hostages. In this context, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announcedthat the country is at war.
The Israel Defense Forces intervention operation was called “Iron Swords”; One of its goals was the destruction of Hamas. Israeli Air Force applied Hundreds of militant targets in the Gaza Strip were attacked, and the country’s National Security Council decided to halt the supply of water, food, materials, electricity and fuel to the region. Israel announced to the UN on October 13 that 1.1 million Palestinians would be evacuated to southern Gaza ahead of the ground operation.
Previously The Israeli army reported that there were at least 222 hostages in Gaza.