Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not backing down after Secretary of State Antony Blinken allegedly told Israel's war cabinet they don't have the "credit" to destroy Hamas.
As the next phase of Israel's war against Hamas commences , Blinken allegedly told Israel's war cabinet that its offensive in southern Gaza must be carried out with more discretion than operations in the north before the temporary ceasefire, according to leaked remarks .
"You can’t operate in southern Gaza in the way you did in the north," Blinken allegedly said. "There are two million Palestinians there. You need to evacuate fewer people from their homes, be more accurate in the attacks, not hit [United Nations] facilities, and ensure that there are enough protected areas [for civilians]. And if not? Then not to attack where there is a civilian population."
Herzi Halevi, chief of the general IDF staff, told Blinken that Israeli forces have already been operating with extreme discretion, including "instances where we decided not to attack because we waited for a better opportunity."
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant added that Israelis are "united behind the goal of dismantling Hamas — even if it takes months."
"I don’t think you have the credit for that," Blinken responded, a remark that was interpreted to mean that Israel needs more justification for an aggressive campaign in southern Gaza.
