President Biden has called for an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as a recent CIA assessment reveals that Hamas has been instigating violence to escalate the situation into a full-blown war. Despite U.S. pressure for a post-war plan in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to resist such demands. The CIA report, dated June 3rd, sheds light on Netanyahu's strategy, indicating that he aims to maintain support from both his top security officials and far-right government members by discussing the future of Gaza in vague terms.
Meanwhile, Israel's military conducted airstrikes on a United Nations school in northern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of three individuals who were seeking shelter at the facility. The Israeli military claims to have targeted a storage container inside the school that was allegedly being used by Hamas. This incident follows another airstrike on a U.N. school in central Gaza the previous day, which claimed the lives of at least 40 people.
Retired U.S. Army Major General James Spider-Marx provided insights on Netanyahu's stance, suggesting that the Israeli leader is facing internal and external pressures to resolve the conflict. The general highlighted the delicate balance Netanyahu must maintain between hardline factions pushing for more aggression and international calls for de-escalation.
The CIA assessment indicates that Netanyahu may only engage in serious discussions about a post-war plan for Gaza after meeting specific security benchmarks, including the elimination of a key Hamas commander. General Spider-Marx expressed concerns that such a high bar for progress could prolong the conflict unnecessarily.
Regarding potential incentives for Netanyahu to change course, there is speculation about a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia that could influence his decision-making. The prospect of Saudi support and recognition could potentially reshape Netanyahu's approach to the conflict.
Addressing the airstrikes on U.N. schools, General Spider-Marx emphasized the complexity of targeting operations in densely populated areas. While Israel claims to use precise munitions to target Hamas militants, civilian casualties have raised questions about the military's ability to balance its objectives with protecting innocent lives.
In conclusion, the situation in Gaza remains volatile, with international pressure mounting for a resolution to the conflict. Netanyahu's decisions in the coming days will be crucial in determining the path forward for the region.
