Israel Postpones Gaza Invasion as US Speeds up Missile Defense Deployment, Expresses Concern About Endgame
Israel has put a hold on its planned invasion of Gaza, allowing the United States to hasten the deployment of missile defense systems aimed at protecting US troops stationed in the Middle East, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal. US officials have been effective in persuading Israel to wait until air defense installations are operational in the region, which is expected to happen as early as this week.
Alongside this, Israel’s decision factors in the distribution of humanitarian aid within Gaza and diplomatic maneuvers to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Concern for US troops remains a critical issue for both countries. US defense mechanisms are being rushed to protect military personnel in Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates, in anticipation of potential retaliatory attacks from armed groups should Israel commence its ground invasion.
The Biden Administration has also expressed apprehensions about the absence of clear military objectives in Gaza by Israel. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has been in talks with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, emphasizing caution and adherence to the laws of war, especially considering the complexity of urban combat. Austin referred to the battle to retake Mosul from Islamic State fighters, cautioning that urban warfare poses significant challenges.
While the US administration maintains that it has not directed Israel on its military choices, it has sent Lt. Gen. James Glynn and other officers to Israel to help navigate the complexities of urban warfare. Senator Jack Reed, chair of the Armed Services Committee, has also advised Israel to allow more time for hostage negotiations and fine-tuning of urban combat strategies.
