According to a high-ranking Biden official, the United States does not view Israel achieving a “total victory” over the militant group Hamas as a likely or possible outcome.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas during the NATO Youth Summit in Miami, following the recent decision by the Biden administration to temporarily halt certain arms shipments to Israel.
According to Campbell, there seems to be a struggle in determining the theory of victory. He notes that Israeli leaders often emphasize the concept of achieving a comprehensive and decisive triumph on the battlefield.
He added that he does not believe it is likely or possible.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to achieve an “absolute victory” over Hamas, the militant group responsible for the attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. In recent days, the Israeli military has entered Rafah, a city where over 1 million Palestinians sought refuge during the conflict. Netanyahu’s commitment to pursuing victory underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination to bring an end to the hostilities.
According to Campbell, the United States is of the opinion that the war requires a “political solution.”
According to the speaker, there is a noticeable change in the current situation compared to the past. Many countries are now inclined towards finding a political resolution that prioritizes the rights of Palestinians.
“I believe that the current situation is more challenging than ever before, but I still have faith in the commitment of countries in the region. We are increasingly hearing this sentiment from them as well.”
President Biden’s recent statement regarding offensive weapons to Israel has sparked a discussion. He declared that if Israel were to invade Rafah, a region that the Biden administration has consistently advised against invading, the supply of offensive weapons would be halted.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Sunday that the United States has not yet observed any Israeli proposals outlining plans to safeguard civilians or establish a vision for the future of Gaza following the conclusion of the war.
“We hold two beliefs. Firstly, it is crucial to have a well-defined and trustworthy strategy in place to safeguard civilians, which unfortunately has not been presented to us. Secondly, it is equally important to have a comprehensive plan in place for the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza. These are the words shared by the speaker during his appearance on CBS’s ‘Face the Nation’.”