Calls for a Cease-Fire—But Then What?
AtlanticMAY 2023
Report: US, European Countries Push Israel to Delay Gaza Invasion
Image copyright: Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images News [via Getty Images]
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
While the US and other allies don't tell Israel what action to take, they do advise Tel Aviv and are helping the aim of eliminating Hamas. In this instance, the allies warn that hostages, some of which come from a number of these Western countries, would be more difficult to retrieve if a ground invasion started immediately.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Even within the Biden administration, there's a documented pushback against full support for Israel's military actions in Gaza and the resulting humanitarian cataclysm. A "dissent cable" may be soon coming from US diplomats rejecting unwavering support of Tel Aviv's military campaign. The quiet urging of the White House for Israel to delay its dreaded ground invasion may be a reflection that many within the Biden administration are also advocating for Palestine's civilians.