The Biden administration has reportedly expressed some concern to Israeli counterparts about the Jewish state's military objectives attainable in Gaza and its preparedness for a potential ground invasion, the New York Times reported on Monday.
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Senior officials within the administration have pointed to the intricate tunnel array in the Gaza Strip that Hamas has built under densely populated areas as a critical factor in this assessment. While the United States remains supportive of the notion of a ground invasion, it's essential to underscore that they have not dictated Israel's course of action, the Times reported.
Video: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is at war / Credit: Twitter
In an effort to facilitate this ongoing dialogue, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has been engaged with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant. These discussions have emphasized the importance of meticulous planning for any potential ground invasion. The complex urban landscape in Gaza, coupled with the presence of these underground tunnels, necessitates a thoughtful and strategic approach to ensure both military success and the protection of civilian lives, the report said.
To further assist the Israeli forces in navigating the intricacies of urban warfare, the Pentagon has deployed a team of officers, including Lt. Gen. James Glynn, although officials said this should not be construed as the Pentagon making decisions for Israel, the report said.
A Pentagon official, addressing concerns that the deployment of General Glynn might indicate involvement in the war, stated that Glynn would not be on the ground in Israel if an incursion into Gaza began, the Times said.
