In meetings in Israel, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed to Israeli leaders that it’s important to observe international rules of warfare.

As Israel girds for a fearsome ground assault into Gaza, senior Biden administration officials are warning their Israeli counterparts to show restraint and avoid mass civilian casualties and a humanitarian disaster that could turn world opinion against the Jewish state, according to two current and one former U.S. official.

  • Echo71Niner@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    More fucking lies.

    Leaked internal emails reveal that the U.S. State Department is discouraging diplomats from advocating for Israeli “de-escalation” in the ongoing conflict with Gaza. The emails instruct officials not to use phrases like “de-escalation/ceasefire,” “end to violence/bloodshed,” and “restoring calm” in their public statements, indicating the Biden administration’s reluctance to push for Israeli restraint. Israel recently ordered over a million residents of northern Gaza to evacuate, and the UN warned of devastating humanitarian consequences. U.S. officials have avoided discussing a ceasefire, focusing on supporting Israel’s response to Hamas attacks. Some lawmakers are urging stronger humanitarian calls, but public pressure is delicate due to Israel’s significant losses and U.S. support. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is engaged in diplomatic efforts in the region, including visits to influential Arab states.

    https://www.huffpost.com/entry/state-department-internal-emails-gaza-israel_n_65296395e4b0a304ff6ff95d

    • FlowVoid@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      State and Defense are on the same page, you just need to read between the lines.

      They want a targeted strike against Hamas leadership (i.e. not “de-escalation” or a “ceasefire” or an “end to bloodshed”) but they don’t want unnecessary civilian casualties. In other words less “Shock and Awe”, more “Seal Team Six”.

    • Ranvier@sopuli.xyz
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      1 year ago

      I don’t know the truth of the matter, these are internal things after all. But what you posted isn’t necessarily inconsistent with the article. It’s possible they were instructed not to say those things publicly, as your article says, but are privately pushing Israel to restrain themselves, as the above article says.

    • assassin_aragorn@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      You’re talking about something different. Internal communications within the state department about what language to use is completely different from private communication return Israel.

      I mean this is pretty standard when it comes to interpersonal relationships even. If a friend does something questionable I’m likely going to avoid discussing it in public until I can talk to them in private about how bad the thing was.