Link to article: https://www.timesofisrael.com/white-house-ups-pressure-on-israel-to-end-high-intensity-fighting-in-gaza-soon/
United States National Security Advisor, John Sullivan, met with Israel’s top officials on Thursday. In their long talk, Sullivan expressed the Biden administration’s demands that Israel ultimately end war as soon as possible, and to get rid of “high intensity” operations by the closing of the year. Israel officials such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu then responded to assure the United States that the Israel Defense Forces would, “continue the war until [they] complete all of [their] goals.” Sullivan furthered his demands of Israel by urging them to begin “day after” talks with Hamas. Israel combatted his requests, however. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the IDF’s war will take “more than several months.”
Despite the United States demands, Israel is remaining consistent with their approach, focusing on their top priority, defeating Hamas. The United States seems to have a separate focus, thinking more strategically moving forward. The three things the U.S. is focused on is removing Hamas as a threat to Israel, protecting the innocent civilians of Gaza, and putting Israel and the United States in a good position to handle other adversities in the region. These two unaligned overarching goals may lead to a decrease in U.S. support as the war moves on. It would be in Israel’s best interests to work towards its strongest ally’s goals moving forward, in even a minimalistic manner. Have the state choose not to do this, however, Israel may see the United States hand fade out of the war. This would benefit Hamas, as a potential increase in direct support could see an immediate increase to attempt to reverse momentum in this war. If Israel and the United States can come to common terms together, it serves as the best route to peace in the region moving forward.
When it comes to this “Interstate” conflict (as Palestine really is not even a recognized state) Israel evidently has had and will continue to have an Interventionist approach. The words of Israeli officials even in the meeting with Sullivan convey this, as direct force will be continued until they believe it is enough. In regards to the United States, a clear cooperative approach is being taken, however. Not only is the U.S. focusing on a diplomatic resolve to the conflict, but they have been urging Israel to dive into this possibility as well. Also through Constructivism one can see how Israel’s view of Palestine and itself is keeping them immersed in the front lines. Israel believes it has the right to the areas it is taking control over and has no respect for its opposition.