signs of US-Israeli conflict over ceasefire.. One month into the Yi-Palestinian war.

Conflict escalates from civil unrest to war zone
Israel vows to continue the conflict
US calls for temporary halt to rescue civilians
“Biden administration discussing the possibility of Netanyahu’s downfall”

The Israel-Palestine war that erupted on the 7th of last month has entered its first month. The conflict, which initially resembled a civil war, has escalated into a broader war zone as Israel began ground operations in the Gaza Strip. Iran and Lebanon have hinted at possible intervention, while the U.S. and Israel are at odds over a humanitarian pause, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 4th (local time).

Currently, Israel is insisting on annihilating the Palestinian militant group Hamas, refusing both a ceasefire and a temporary halt to the fighting. As Israel claims that Hamas bases are located under the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip, international concerns over civilian casualties are growing.

On the other hand, the U.S., Israel’s biggest ally, believes a temporary halt is necessary. While still opposing a ceasefire due to reasons such as the rearmament of Hamas, the U.S. is increasingly demanding a temporary halt to ensure the complete rescue of hostages and address the issue of civilian casualties.

The difference in the two countries’ positions was evident during the recent Middle East visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. According to the WSJ, Blinken, who visited Israel and Jordan last week, repeatedly emphasized the U.S. stance that a temporary halt is the best course of action. He stated, “A humanitarian pause can be an important mechanism for protecting civilians, delivering relief supplies, and rescuing foreigners in the Gaza Strip,” adding that it would “also allow Israel to achieve its goals.” He also emphasized that “Israel must take all possible measures to prevent civilian casualties within its territory.”

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear to Secretary Blinken that “we will continue the war and reject a temporary halt that does not include the release of hostages,” showing no intention of retracting his existing plans.

The U.S. reportedly warned that if civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip continue, international support for Israel could weaken. As of today, the Gaza Health Ministry announced that at least 9,488 people have died in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of the Israel war. Among these, at least 3,900 were children. CNN quoted a source saying, “President Joe Biden did not criticize Israel’s air strikes targeting refugee camps in the Gaza Strip,” and pointed out that “the problem Israel is facing is that criticism is growing not only from critics but also from its closest friends.”

Indeed, protests calling for a ceasefire and criticizing Israel have spread across the U.S. and Europe, which support Israel, over the past weekend. In Israel, thousands took to the streets to protest against the government and call for the arrest of Prime Minister Netanyahu. As the conflict continues, both President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu are facing political pressure at home.

The U.S. political news outlet Politico reported that the Biden administration discussed the possibility of Netanyahu’s downfall. According to Politico, President Biden directly mentioned the issue to Prime Minister Netanyahu during his visit to Israel last month. However, the Biden administration denied the facts.

The WSJ pointed out, “The U.S. and Israel’s interests in the Middle East conflict are diverging in the short and long term,” and noted, “The path to ending the Israel war is becoming unclear.”