US and UK call on Israel to postpone its ground invasion of Gaza

 US and UK call on Israel to postpone its ground invasion of Gaza

The United States and the United Kingdom are subtly pressuring Israel to delay the mission as hundreds of tanks and armed soldiers amass near the Gaza border, waiting for approval from the political regime and the military top brass to launch a "ground offensive," according to The Times of Israel on Saturday.

The Times of Israel reports that the request was made out of concern that it would effectively end attempts to arrange other captive releases for the foreseeable future.

Senior diplomatic sources were cited by The Times of Israel as saying that both countries acknowledge that a ground invasion is quite possible and that Israel should not conduct one at all but rather wait to see if fresh diplomatic efforts will be successful.

Two US citizens were released from Hamas captivity and are presently in the hands of Israeli forces, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The two Americans who were freed have been identified as Chicago residents Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natali Raanan, 17.

Hezbollah appears to have been stopped from assaulting Israel in a major conflict by the United States' deployment of two carrier strike groups, each of which consisted of an aircraft carrier, its jets, and numerous escort cruisers.

The US and Israeli intelligence agencies are attempting to determine whether Israel's anticipated ground offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip could lead Hezbollah to launch a significant military campaign against Israel from Lebanon, the New York Times reported, quoting American officials.

According to the US-based daily, experts believe that Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Hezbollah, does not desire a full-scale conflict with Israel because of the harm it would do to his organization and Lebanon. According to American authorities, as additional information is obtained and the situation develops, this judgment might alter.

According to American officials and others informed on the negotiations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has blocked cabinet suggestions for a pre-emptive assault against Hezbollah.

Prior to this, the US Defense Department reaffirmed that it was giving Israel its full support in its continuing conflict with Hamas and noted that the US Secretary of Defense was in constant contact with Israeli authorities and leaders.

The US Department of Defense (DOD) issued the following statement: "Since meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the defense secretary Yoav Gallant and other members of the Israeli War Cabinet in Tel Aviv on Friday, the Secretary Lloyd Austin has remained fully involved with the country's leaders as the US works guarantee Israel has what it needs to defend itself about further attacks."

We are working to meet Israel's needs, which involve air defense, precision-guided munitions, artillery, and medical supplies, said Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh in a statement. " Ever since leaving Israel, he has held requires with MOD Gallant... on a nearly daily basis and will likely have another call today," she added.The US has increased its presence in the area and swiftly sent Israel military help to thwart additional attacks.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group was ordered over the weekend by US Defense Secretary Austin to join the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which had landed in the Eastern Mediterranean last week.

The Navy troops are a part of a larger increase in US military presence in the area. According to a press statement from the US Department of Defense, the Air Force stated last week that A-10 attack squadrons and F-15 and F-16 fighter squadrons will be stationed in the area.