The rift between U.S. and Israeli strategies over Gaza widens as tensions mount.

According to Daily Mail, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has starkly rejected President Joe Biden's vision for peace in Gaza, opting instead for a decisive military conquest over Hamas.

Netanyahu's Firm on Hamas Defeat

In a staunch declaration, Netanyahu made it clear that he sees no viable alternative to a full military victory against Hamas. "There is no alternative to military victory," he stated, dismissing other proposals as detached from the stark realities on the ground.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are escalating their readiness for a potential full-scale assault on Rafah, a reaction to the faltering peace efforts and growing international unease over the situation.

With over 600,000 people already displaced from Rafah, the impact of intensified military actions raises fears regarding the human cost. Earlier peace talks in Cairo this month did not yield any resolution, pointing to the fragile state of negotiations.

US Concerns and Military Assistance

The U.S. government, observing the volatile scenario, fears the emergence of a power vacuum in Gaza akin to past conflicts in the region. Despite expressing reservations, the Biden administration has recently allocated a $1 billion weapons package to Israel.

The construction of a floating pier by the U.S. military aims to bolster the delivery of humanitarian aid. Jake Sullivan, U.S. national security advisor, emphasized, "How do we get to the common goal, the enduring defeat of Hamas? And that is going to require military pressure, yes. But more than just military pressure—a political plan to get there."

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed his concerns during an appearance on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' highlighting the potential consequences of an Israeli takeover. "Israel's on the trajectory potentially to inherit an insurgency with many armed Hamas left or, if it leaves, a vacuum filled by chaos, filled by anarchy, and probably refilled by Hamas," he noted.

Regional Diplomacy and Humanitarian Struggles

Speaking to CNN, an Egyptian official indicated that all options, including downgrading diplomatic relations with Israel, are under consideration, although a consensus is still being sought.

On the humanitarian front, Sonali Korde, from the U.S. Agency for International Development, described the difficulties faced by aid groups in securing movement clearances within Gaza. "There is a very insecure operating environment," she explained, underscoring the logistical challenges amid ongoing conflict.

Netanyahu, in an ABC interview dated November 6, 2023, reiterated Israel's position on maintaining control over Gaza's security. "I believe Israel will for an indefinite period have the overall security responsibility [over Gaza] because we've seen what happens when we don't have it," he asserted.

Critics Warn of Consequences

As Dr. Andreas Krieg from King's College London points out, Netanyahu's hardline stance might not be feasible considering the opposition from significant international bodies. "I don't think that's a feasible solution because not only is the Arab League against it, I think the European Union is against it and the US is against it as well," he commented.

The Washington Institute has also issued warnings about the long-term stability implications of Israel's current military strategies without well-defined goals and an exit strategy.

Conclusion

In sum, as Israel pushes for a definitive military victory in Gaza, international tensions and the humanitarian situation continue to grow more complex. A significant displacement has rocked Gaza, with over 90 percent of its population affected since the start of 2024.

Meanwhile, the international community, spearheaded by the U.S., grapples with balancing critical military support for Israel with cautious diplomatic and aid strategies to prevent further instability. The need for a durable political solution alongside military action remains a pressing concern, as emphasized by U.S. officials and international observers alike.