As Israeli military operations continue in Gaza, a senior Israeli defense official revealed to Axios the expected timeframe for the war's conclusion, highlighting a disagreement between the United States and Israel regarding the timeline. The official stated that Israel anticipates concluding its military operation in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, within three to four weeks. Axios reported that "the intense phase of the war is likely to continue for another three to four weeks."
U.S. President Joe Biden spoke on Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Israeli military plans and the operation in Khan Yunis. A similar call took place the previous night between U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant.
The Israeli official indicated to Axios that the U.S. is not "putting the brakes" on or giving Israel a specific deadline to end the operation, but is pointing out that time is running out. The official added that the gap between the Biden administration and the Israeli government concerns the one-month timeline provided by Israel to conclude the intense phase of the Gaza war.
Additionally, Deputy National Security Advisor John Feiner stated at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington on Thursday that the U.S. has not set a concrete deadline for Israel. Feiner explained, "This is their conflict. However, we have leverage, even if we don't have absolute control over what happens on the ground in Gaza." Axios quoted the Israeli defense official saying that the U.S. would be satisfied if Israel ends the high-intensity phase of the operation by the end of December, while Israel is aiming for a conclusion in January.
