US and Israel National Security Advisors Discuss 'Alternative Action Plan' to Defeat Hamas

Discussion on Hamas Removal Including Ground Operation by IDF

On the 12th (local time), the national security advisors of the United States and Israel discussed ways to eliminate Hamas without conducting a large-scale ground operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

According to the White House, Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, spoke with Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel's National Security Advisor, on the same day. The national security advisors of both countries discussed alternative courses of action that could ensure the defeat of Hamas throughout Gaza.

Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor at the White House
Photo by Yonhap News

Advisor Sullivan reiterated President Biden's concerns about a large-scale ground military operation in Rafah that could cause civilian casualties, while reaffirming the U.S. commitment to protecting Israel's security and defeating Hamas in Gaza.

Advisor Hanegbi confirmed that Israel is taking the U.S. concerns into consideration.

Both sides also discussed the situation in Gaza and efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The U.S. has continuously discouraged Israel from launching a large-scale ground offensive due to the potential for significant loss of life. Recently, President Joe Biden directly stated that if Israel proceeds with a ground operation in Rafah, the U.S. would halt the supply of weapons and ammunition.

In an interview with ABC News on the same day, Advisor Sullivan expressed concerns about civilian casualties resulting from a large-scale ground operation in Rafah, pointing out that "Israel may be able to kill some Hamas members, but since Hamas are terrorists, many will disappear." He also said, "President Biden does not want U.S. weapons to be used in such operations," adding, "That does not mean President Biden will abandon Israel or stop weapons support."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press" that day, stating, "President Biden has made it clear that he does not support a full-scale battle in Rafah," and said that for sustained victory, "We have been discussing with Israel that there are better options than the Rafah attack."