In an unusual move to deal with the underground network of tunnels in Gaza, Israeli forces are testing a new method to thwart Hamas militants. The Israelis are flooding these tunnels with seawater. Information about this new strategy was reportedly passed to the United States, although the precise location of the tunnels being targeted remains unreported.
Honing in on this delicate operation, Israeli forces are said to be proceeding with caution to ensure hostages, possibly present in the tunnels, are not imperiled. However, the assurance has not instilled full confidence in President Biden. He highlighted that, despite statements asserting hostages are not in these tunnels, he cannot confirm this as a fact.
It’s worth mentioning that this dilemma presents a clear stake for the US, given that several suspected hostages are believed to be American citizens. Lack of complete knowledge about precisely where these hostages are kept amplifies the reliance of the US on information supplied by the Israelis regarding the situations within Gaza Strip.
The audacious tactic to flood tunnels with seawater is considered creative by Israeli officials and is being trialed as a unique method to draw out Hamas fighters from their underground lair. It is a strategic response to the labyrinth of tunnels that Hamas has established, making apprehension of its fighters enormously challenging.
Continuing dialogue with Israel, the US is dispatching key officials to the Middle Eastern nation to discuss this matter and other relevant developments. The entourage includes National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, who is due to meet Prime Minister Netanyahu, along with his war cabinet and the Israeli President, Herzog. Also, next week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will visit Israel to meet with high-level officials and then proceed to tour the Middle East region where he is scheduled to meet with troops. These visits highlight the ongoing priority placed on these considerations by the US White House and the whole administration.
