US President Joe Biden recently emphasized that ending the war in Gaza does not imply that Israel should cease its efforts to target Hamas’s leadership. Speaking at a press conference, Biden asserted, “It’s time to end this war. It doesn’t mean walk away from going after [Yahya] Sinwar and Hamas.” This statement marks a notable public acknowledgment of the US administration’s stance, which had previously been conveyed privately to Israeli officials, according to Times of Israel.
Biden’s remarks reaffirm his earlier messages delivered to Israel’s war cabinet during his visit shortly after the October 7 Hamas attacks. Drawing parallels to past US experiences, Biden advised Israeli leaders against a prolonged occupation, urging them instead to focus on dismantling Hamas’s leadership. “Don’t make the same mistake America made after bin Laden. There’s no need to occupy anywhere. Go after the people who did the job… Don’t think that’s what you should be doing, doubling down. We’ll help you find the bad guys — Sinwar and company,” Biden elaborated.
This statement highlights the administration’s commitment to supporting Israel’s right to defend itself while advocating for a strategic approach to counter-terrorism. Biden’s comments underscore the delicate balance the US seeks to maintain between advocating for an end to the conflict and ensuring that efforts to neutralize terrorist threats continue. The president’s explicit mention of Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, illustrates the US’s support for targeted actions against individuals responsible for orchestrating attacks, rather than broad military occupations.
Biden’s public acknowledgment of this strategy signals a clear message of continued support for Israel’s security measures against Hamas, even as diplomatic efforts to broker peace and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza persist….Seë_Morë