The Biden administration has privately signaled to Israeli officials that it would support limited, counterterrorism-style operations in the Gaza city of Rafah to target Hamas militants, as long as Israel avoids a large-scale invasion that could lead to heavy civilian casualties, Politico reported Wednesday.
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"At the end of the day, we cannot win this war without defeating Hamas' battalions in Rafah," said one Israeli official granted anonymity told the outlet.
However, a US Defense Department official said a major Israeli military operation in Gaza does not appear imminent. "They'd have to do some repositioning of forces, and that has not happened," the official was quoted.
Video: Israeli military steps up strikes on Hamas in Gaza's Khan Younis / Credit: IDF
President Joe Biden drew a "red line" over the weekend, saying Israel should no longer pursue a campaign in Gaza without credible civilian protection plans in place. But the administration has since walked that back somewhat.
"The president didn't make any declarations or pronouncements or announcements," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said. "Our position is that a military operation in Rafah that does not protect civilians...is not something that he can support."
The privately conveyed stance adds more specificity to the administration's public statements. Top officials have suggested to Israel that counterterrorism raids could minimize civilian harm while decimating Hamas' ranks in Rafah.
The US continues to negotiate a potential ceasefire as it facilitates humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza.
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