President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor will be touching down in Tel Aviv today, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This visit comes amidst a chorus of calls from nations worldwide – including some of the U.S.’s closest allies – for an immediate ceasefire, a call that the U.S. continues to resist.
The National Security Advisor, the most senior advisor to President Biden, will partake in significant talks with key figures in the Israeli government, including the prime minister and the defense minister. Expectations are high that he will raise concerns over civilian casualties, pressing Israeli government to be more surgical and precise in their operations to minimize the number of civilian casualties. The number of such casualties has been rising alarmingly and continues to be a sore point in the Israeli operations.
Simultaneously, the official is expected to up the pressure on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza. The U.S. has been vocal about utilizing the Kerem Shalom crossing to effect direct aid to Gaza. In the present situation, aid is entering via the Rafah Crossing in Egypt.
These significant meetings come on the heels of President Biden's pointed comments towards Israel’s approach to the conflict. The President took issue with the right-wing Israeli government for seeking retribution against Palestinians and for rejecting a two-state solution outright.
Israel’s current approach, which Biden called “indiscriminate bombing in the Gaza Strip”, marked a rare criticism of the Israeli government’s actions. As the intensity of the conflict escalates, these direct talks with senior Israeli figures could mark a turning point in the dialogue and potential resolutions for the turbulent situation in Gaza. As both Israel and the U.S. navigate this delicate and volatile situation, the world looks on, praying for peace to return.
