Top US military officials are advising Israel in Tel Aviv to reduce combat operations against Hamas in Gaza, aiming to prevent a wider war.
This follows increased Iranian-backed drone attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The USS Carney, part of a US carrier strike group, intercepted drones from Yemen, while the UK's Royal Navy eliminated another threatening commercial vessels.
Following a severe Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, Israel has ramped up its response, leading to heightened tensions in the region. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown, experienced in US military transition strategies, are visiting Israel but face challenges aligning their recommendations with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s aggressive stance.
The Biden administration is pushing Israel to reduce its extensive Gaza bombardment, which has caused significant destruction, displacements, and over 18,700 Palestinian casualties. US President
Joe Biden has expressed concerns about Israel's diminishing global support due to these actions.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has recommended that Israel focus on precise military strikes instead. Despite this, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant insists on continuing the larger-scale military offensive.
The crisis affects the deployment of US military in the region, extending the presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean for deterrence. Currently, 19 US warships are deployed in strategic areas.
The recent missile and drone strikes have disrupted major global shipping companies, highlighting the international stakes. Israel's Gallant acknowledges the shipping blockade in the Red Sea but prefers to rely on international response before any Israeli military action.
The Houthi spokesperson vows to persist in targeting vessels connected to Israel until demands are met, including the end of Gaza's siege. Meanwhile, Austin plans to discuss maritime safety in Bahrain and Qatar, crucial hubs for US Navy operations and regional stability.
US defense discussions in Israel will focus on when Israeli military efforts will have sufficiently weakened Hamas to secure the nation's safety and enable a transition from large-scale military operations.