Israel tells U.S. its current phase of heavy fighting likely to finish in 2-3 weeks, two officials say

The Israelis have informed the U.S. that the present section of their offensive towards Hamas, with heavy air strikes and a big floor operation, ought to be full within the subsequent 2-3 weeks, based on two U.S. officers.

One official cautioned that this might not imply an finish to fight operations, however it might convey a few diminished depth and a decrease stage of bombing with extra focused strikes whereas the Israelis pursue the remaining management of Hamas. 

In a gathering with nationwide safety adviser Jake Sullivan Thursday, the Israeli protection minister mentioned the struggle “will final greater than a number of months,” predicting the subsequent section of focused raids is more likely to be an extended one.

The U.S. has been urging Israel to do extra to guard civilians because it conducts its offensive. Earlier this week, President Biden warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s authorities was dropping worldwide assist attributable to “indiscriminate bombing” within the densely populated area. And on Thursday, throughout a go to to the Nationwide Institutes of Well being, the president was requested if he needs Israel to cut back its offensive.

“I need them to be centered on the right way to save civilian lives,” he replied. “Not cease going after Hamas, however to be extra cautious.” 

The Biden administration has been going through mounting criticism for its response to the struggle, together with the U.S.’ refusal to name for a brand new cease-fire. The White Home and Netanyahu have argued that any new truce would permit Hamas militants to regroup.

Well being officers within the Hamas-run Gaza Strip say greater than 18,000 individuals have been killed throughout the battle. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proven no willingness to ease the bombing marketing campaign in southern Gaza regardless of catastrophic losses of civilian life and uncertainty over the destiny of greater than 100 hostages who’re nonetheless believed to be held within the territory. 

Israel’s navy says Hamas militants killed 1,200 and kidnapped over 200 of their Oct. 7 terror rampage throughout southern Israel. About half the hostages have been launched, most of them throughout a week-long cease-fire.

Ed O’Keefe and Tucker Reals contributed to this report.

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