Sullivan: The White House is engaged in 'intensive negotiations' with Israel regarding the next phase of the war

Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, said on Friday, December 15, that Washington is pressuring Israel to focus the war in Gaza on precisely targeting Hamas leaders instead of extensive bombing and ground operations. Mr. Sullivan, who traveled to Israel to try to reduce Palestinian civilian casualties, did not mention when such a potential change in Israel's approach might occur. Since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, which left about 1,200 dead, Israel has resisted increasing global pressure against its attacks aimed at destroying Hamas. Hamas, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, has been designated a terrorist group by several countries, including the United States. According to Jake Sullivan, the next phase of the war will focus on 'more precise ways to target [Hamas] leadership and a set of intelligence operations.' Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas's military wing and the mastermind behind the October 7 terrorist attack, Marwan Issa, Deif's deputy, and Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, are at the top of Israel's most important targets list. The White House National Security Advisor stated that he discussed the timing of a change in Israel's approach during his meetings on Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the war cabinet, and Israeli military commanders. Mr. Sullivan added that the timing and conditions for this change will be the subject of 'ongoing [and] intensive negotiations between the United States and Israel.' Meanwhile, Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, after meeting with Jake Sullivan, informed him that the war 'will last more than a few months.' U.S. officials have stated that the White House is privately calling for a quicker end to the intense phase of the war. Joe Biden, the President of the United States, warned in recent days that high civilian casualties in Gaza have led global public opinion to shift against Israel. Jake Sullivan, in response to a question about whether the U.S. would stop military aid to Israel if the war does not shift to a less intense phase with fewer civilian casualties, said that the best way to reach an agreement is through private negotiations. He added that the U.S. wants to 'see results' from Israel's guarantees regarding the distinction between civilians and combatants. The White House National Security Advisor also criticized Hamas for using civilians as human shields, stating that Hamas uses schools and hospitals for its operations. Hamas has denied these accusations. Jake Sullivan is scheduled to meet on Friday afternoon with Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority. He met on Wednesday, before heading to Israel, with Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, to discuss regional issues, including the conflicts in Gaza. An American official: Yahya Sinwar's days are numbered. Jake Sullivan in Tel Aviv; discussions about transitioning from intense battles to less intense battles in Gaza. Netanyahu in a meeting with Sullivan: The war with Hamas will continue until 'absolute victory.' The U.S. efforts to reduce Palestinian civilian casualties; Sullivan traveled to Israel. The National Security Advisor's trip to Saudi Arabia and Israel to assess the regional situation. Continued Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip; 24 killed. Biden's strong criticism of the management of the war in Gaza: Netanyahu must change his hardline cabinet.