US Not Drawing Red Lines for Israel – White House, Reuters

By Steve Holland and Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON – The United States clarified on Friday that it is not seeking to impose restrictions on Israel, as the country intensified its military operations in Gaza against Hamas militants.

This new wave of military action by Israel coincides with U.S. efforts to facilitate a humanitarian pause to allow for fuel and relief supplies to reach civilians in Gaza. The impact of Israel’s expanded ground operations on these humanitarian efforts remains uncertain.

During a news briefing, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby refrained from commenting specifically on the Israeli escalation. He emphasized that the U.S. supports Israel’s right to defend itself, especially following the attacks by Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 individuals in southern Israel on October 7.

"We’re not drawing red lines for Israel," he stated.

Kirby added that discussions continue between the U.S. and Israel regarding the objectives of the military operation, highlighting the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza, the urgent need to secure the safe return of Israeli hostages, and considerations for what follows the ground operations.

"From the very beginning, we have engaged in conversations about how they are conducting this operation. We have not held back in voicing our concerns regarding civilian casualties and collateral damage. That is what friends do, and we are friends," he noted.