JERUSALEM, Israel – US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is urging Israel to transition its military offensive against Hamas to a less intense phase in the near future. This comes as senior Israeli officials express their belief that it will take months to defeat Hamas. The White House shared that Sullivan’s discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu included plans for Gaza’s postwar future and efforts to get more humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip.

According to US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, Sullivan discussed the possibility of Israel transitioning to lower intensity operations with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant. Kirby’s comments followed reports from the Financial Times that the United States expected Israel to lower the intensity of its military offensive as early as January to be more precise in targeting Hamas military commanders.

President Joe Biden also expressed his desire for Israel to shift its focus on saving civilian lives while continuing to target Hamas during his conversation with journalists. US officials have engaged in open discussions with the Israelis about their campaign, including the timing for a more targeted, intelligence-driven approach against high-value targets.

The recent visit by Sullivan to Israel amid mounting domestic criticism for the US’ staunch support of Israel’s military campaign also revealed differences between the US and Israel over who will secure the Gaza Strip in the medium and longer-term. The US does not want to see Israel reoccupy Gaza, while Netanyahu’s government has pledged to remain in the enclave indefinitely.

In a primetime address, Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s five-man war cabinet, outlined his vision for postwar Gaza, including full Israeli security control over the enclave, and the possibility of Israel “taking territory” for future operations. This indicates that the situation in Gaza may continue to be a long and difficult process.

According to Palestinian authorities, Israel’s air and ground operations have led to the deaths of over 18,000 people in Gaza since the war began on October 7, with Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people. Netanyahu’s recent claim that the Israel Defense Forces have killed about half of Hamas’s battalion commanders hints at the next phase of the conflict.

In the aftermath of Sullivan’s visit, the situation in the region remains tense as differing visions and strategies for the future of Gaza continue to be discussed.