The Biden administration interprets Israel’s withdrawal of thousands of troops from Gaza as a positive indication that Israel is responsive to Washington’s concerns and is moving towards a shift to lower-intensity military operations, according to three U.S. officials. However, the transition is reportedly progressing more slowly than desired by the U.S.
On Monday, the Israeli military officially confirmed the commencement of the withdrawal of five brigades, including a substantial number of reservists, from operations in Gaza. The rationale provided by Israel for this move was the increasing strain the deployments were placing on the country’s economy.
The reduction of troops will enable reservists to return to their jobs and regather strength for future operations, as stated by Maj. Nir Dinar, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces.
U.S. officials, speaking anonymously about sensitive discussions, express a sense of relief, interpreting the troop reduction as a signal that Israel is transitioning away from large-scale bombing to more targeted, surgical strikes on senior Hamas leaders. The U.S. has consistently urged this shift due to the rising civilian death toll among Palestinians. thousands of troops
Maj. Nir Dinar emphasized that these adaptations aim to ensure effective planning and preparation for ongoing operations in 2024, recognizing the need to anticipate additional tasks and warfare throughout the year.
While Israel had always planned to move towards lower-intensity combat in Gaza, delays occurred as clearing operations took longer than expected, according to one U.S. official. Another official acknowledges the beginning of this transition but expresses a preference for these changes to have occurred sooner.
But Israeli officials say the fighting will last well into 2024. And U.S. officials are skeptical that any shift will happen quickly.
The National Security Council did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
In northern Gaza, Israel has dismantled much of the Hamas infrastructure and cleared the area of many militants, the first official said. But in the south, where there is still active fighting, the U.S. is not seeing any decrease in Israel’s military presence, the official added.