An unusual cabinet confrontation: American Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met today (Thursday) with the members of the War Cabinet, and during the meeting he expressed great concern and criticism regarding the Israeli moves, both military and political.

The charged meeting with Blinken: "What will be your method of operation?"

The American Secretary of State met with the members of the War Cabinet and confronted them about Israel's plans for continuing the fighting.

Minister Gallant said that Israel is prepared to fight for months to collapse Hamas, Lincoln replied: "I don't think you will have the credit for that"

The Foreign Minister asked about the plans for Gaza the day after, Netanyahu emphasized that the Palestinian Authority will not be able to rule.

After he received from Chief of Staff Hertzi Halevi a review containing detailed principles of the planned fighting in the southern Gaza Strip, a confrontation emerged between the American minister and the members of the cabinet, the main point of which was the continuation of the fighting and the day after.

"THE WAY YOU ACTED IN THE NORTH OF THE GAZA STRIP CANNOT BE REPEATED IN THE SOUTH"
The central part of the confrontation focused on Israel's plans to continue the attack on the Gaza Strip after the ceasefire ends. Blinken claimed that Israel would have to change the way of the attack and not repeat what it did in the northern Gaza Strip. 

"There are two million Palestinians there," he said. "You need to evacuate fewer people from their homes, be more precise in your attacks, not damage UN facilities, and make sure there are enough safe areas. And if not, then don't attack where there is a civilian population. What will be your method of operation?".

Chief of Staff Hertzi Halevi, who conducted the security review, explained to Blinken that the IDF makes sure to act on the basis of "proportionality, distinction and international law." And he added that "there were times when we attacked based on these principles, and there were times when we decided not to attack because we were waiting for a better opportunity."

At this point, Defense Minister Yoav Galant joined the discussion and said that "the entire Israeli society is united around the goal of dismantling Hamas - even if it takes months." American Secretary of State Lincoln replied: "I don't think you will have the credit for that."

THE CONFRONTATION ABOUT "THE DAY AFTER THE WAR"
Besides criticizing Israel's fighting inside the Strip, the Biden administration fears that Israel does not have a clear plan for Gaza and the Palestinians in the day after the war. "You don't want the PA there the day after," he said. "The best way to kill an idea is to bring a better idea." 

After there was silence in the room, Blinken added that the other countries in the region also need to know what Israel's plan for the future is.

At this point, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the confrontation and emphasized that Israel will not allow the Palestinian Authority to control Gaza: "As long as I sit in this chair, the Palestinian Authority that supports terrorism, educates terrorism and finances it will not control Gaza the day after Hamas."

The American administration stands firmly behind Israel under the condition that it takes care of humanitarian aid and fighting according to international law, but it is already making it clear to Israel that time is running out, and that it expects to see clear plans for the day after.

Source: Channel 12 News (Israel)