Biden Administration Fears Israel is Squandering Opportunity for Victory Against Hamas

The Biden administration has expressed deep concerns about Israel's approach to the conflict with Hamas, fearing that it could jeopardize the opportunity for a decisive victory and eliminate the group's hold on Gaza. The administration believes that Israel's current strategy is self-defeating and may lead to the resurgence of Hamas.

Failure to Hold Territory and Widespread Bombing

Key officials have criticized Israel for failing to hold parts of Gaza after clearing them, leading to a situation where Hamas has been able to recruit more fighters and maintain its control. Moreover, the widespread bombing and inadequate humanitarian aid have turned the civilian population and the rest of the world against Israel.

U.S. Frustration and Increasing Criticism

While the U.S. initially kept its criticism private, the frustration of watching Israel refuse to change course has increasingly resulted in public condemnation. Senior officials have called for a deeper focus on the connection between the ongoing military operations and the strategic endgame, emphasizing the need for an "achievable and durable" success against Hamas.

Growing Concerns and Intelligence Findings

Recent U.S. intelligence indicates that while Hamas' communications and military abilities have been degraded, a significant portion of its fighters and tunnels remain intact. There is also growing concern that Hamas has been able to recruit thousands of fighters during the conflict, allowing the group to withstand Israeli offensives.

Public Criticism and Strategic Missteps

Senior administration officials, including Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, have publicly criticized Israel for its inability to protect civilians and prevent Hamas from regaining control of territories it once held. The lack of a clear plan for post-conflict Gaza has also been highlighted as a strategic misstep.

Lessons from Similar Campaigns

Former top officials with experience in similar campaigns have emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan beyond the destruction of Hamas, including addressing the humanitarian needs and protection of civilians. They have warned that without such considerations, military goals are likely to fail and could lead to the rapid resurgence of Hamas.

Concerns about Radicalization and Confusion

The lack of sufficient humanitarian aid in Gaza has contributed to deteriorating conditions, leading to concerns about the radicalization of the local population. Furthermore, Israel's military activities, including operations in densely populated urban areas, have confused Western officials, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the current approach.

There is criticism of Israel's failure to deploy a large enough force to clear, capture, and hold urban areas inside Gaza, allowing for the potential reestablishment of Hamas presence. The importance of securing areas after military operations and finding reliable partner forces has been emphasized as critical to long-term success.