On May 27, 2024, during an IDF tour, soldiers examined the damage to a building in the northern community of Dovev. The building had been struck by rockets launched from Lebanon. photo times of israel
Blinken Reiterates Need for Increased Gaza Aid and Post-War Planning Amid Netanyahu's Reluctance
Top US officials met with Israeli counterparts in Washington on Thursday, amidst growing concerns within the Biden administration about the potential opening of a northern front in the Gaza conflict that could overwhelm Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer held meetings with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The meetings were overshadowed by a recent public spat between the US and Israeli governments. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had criticized the Biden administration for what he termed “inconceivable bottlenecks” in the transfer of weapons and munitions to Israel. The White House firmly denied this, clarifying that only one shipment had been withheld and expressing frustration over Netanyahu's claims.
The White House did not issue a readout of the meeting between Hanegbi, Dermer, and Sullivan. However, the State Department provided a readout of their meeting with Blinken, reiterating the US's commitment to Israel's security and discussing ongoing efforts to secure a hostage deal and ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Blinken emphasized the need for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and the importance of planning for post-conflict governance, security, and reconstruction. Despite daily pauses in fighting to allow aid distribution, aid groups report limited success due to the breakdown of law and order in Gaza.
Netanyahu has resisted US requests to advance post-war planning, arguing that no groups will manage Gaza while Hamas remains in power. The US and Israeli security establishment disagree, suggesting that Hamas will continue to maintain its strength unless a more moderate alternative is empowered.
Blinken also stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation in Lebanon and reaching a diplomatic resolution that allows Israeli and Lebanese families to return to their homes.
Earlier in the day, CNN reported that Biden officials are concerned that Israel’s air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, could be overwhelmed in an all-out war with Hezbollah. A senior administration official acknowledged the likelihood of Iron Dome systems being overwhelmed, especially given Hezbollah’s estimated arsenal of 150,000 rockets.
Israeli officials share these concerns and are planning to move Iron Dome systems from Gaza to the north in preparation for a potential offensive against Hezbollah. They have indicated that the systems are particularly vulnerable to precision-guided weapons, which Hezbollah possesses.
A senior US official described the current situation as highly precarious, noting the risk of a sudden escalation. Israeli officials believe they can manage an offensive against Hezbollah, especially after concluding their operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. However, the US is concerned that Israel’s focus on Gaza will drain resources needed for a campaign against Hezbollah.
While US officials have not explicitly opposed an attack on Hezbollah, they have warned that it could escalate into a larger regional conflict involving Iran. Despite US skepticism, Israel appears determined to push Hezbollah forces further north into Lebanon to create a buffer zone and allow Israeli residents to return to their homes.
The US continues to hope for a diplomatic resolution, starting with a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, to restore calm on the northern border.
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