Biden Appears to Discuss 'Low-Intensity Shift' in War with Netanyahu

Minimizing Civilian Casualties and Troop Reduction Demanded in Israel
War to Continue Until 'Hamas Chukchul' Goal Achieved

On the 23rd (local time), the leaders of the United States and Israel expressed a consensus to continue the war until the goal of 'expelling Hamas' is achieved, while minimizing civilian casualties.

The White House stated in a press release that U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the objectives and "phasing" of Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip during a phone call that day.

The discussion on phasing is interpreted as suggesting a transition to a "low-intensity war." As the death toll in the Gaza Strip due to the Israel-Hamas war, which began last October, has exceeded 20,000 (according to Gaza authorities), the U.S. has recently urged Israel to transition to a low-intensity war during Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit to Israel. The U.S. has also recommended that Israel refrain from indiscriminate bombings causing large civilian casualties, conduct precise strikes against Hamas, and reduce deployed troops.

The White House conveyed, "President Biden emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, including those supporting humanitarian aid activities, and ensuring that civilians can safely move away from areas where fighting continues." It added, "The two leaders discussed the importance of releasing all remaining hostages," and "They agreed to maintain regular consultations directly and through their respective national security teams."

Both leaders agreed to continue the war until Israel's goal of expelling Hamas is achieved.

After the call, President Biden told reporters at the White House that he had a "long conversation" with the Israeli Prime Minister but "did not demand a ceasefire" from Netanyahu. This is interpreted as confirming that the U.S. still supports Israel's policy of continuing the war until Hamas is expelled from the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Prime Minister's office also stated that Netanyahu made it clear that the war will continue until all objectives in the Gaza Strip are achieved.