Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham criticized Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin for saying Israel’s tactical victory in the Gaza Strip could result in a strategic defeat if Palestinians defect to Hamas. The senator called Austin “naive” and said he had “lost all trust in the man.” CNN.
“How about we focus on protecting our servicemen and women in Syria and Iraq? Would a strategic defeat anger the Palestinians? They’re already fired up. They are taught from birth to hate Jews…” the senator said.
He rejected the idea that Israel was fighting against civilians dissatisfied with the IDF’s actions in the Gaza Strip. In his opinion, such an attitude is “really naive”. Graham also thought that the population of the Palestinian territory was “radicalized”.
“Israel is not only fighting Hamas, but also the infrastructure around Hamas. Look what happened when the Israeli hostages were shown to the Palestinian people? That’s incredibly naive,” Graham said.
Before that Austin statedIsrael’s tactical victory in the Gaza Strip could result in a strategic defeat if Palestinians defect to Hamas.
The US Secretary of Defense spoke about his experiences of urban conflict during the Iraq War. He noted that in this case, victory would only be possible by protecting the civilian population.
According to the Pentagon chief, he has met with the Israeli leadership numerous times and continues to insist on preventing casualties in Gaza and preventing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Previously The United States is reportedly looking for someone to govern the Gaza Strip after the war.