U.S. Defense Secretary in Middle East to meet with Israeli leaders

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday indicated that Israel’s military could begin transitioning into a “next phase” of its war in Gaza. He added that Israel’s military operations in the area would not cease until its forces had eliminated the terrorist group Hamas. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Monday met with Israeli leaders and urged them to shift their focus to more precise attacks on Hamas. U.S. leaders have urged Israel to do more to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza. Austin added that the United States remained committed to ensuring the safe return of hostages captured by Hamas.

What’s happening with the hostages? CIA Director William Burns arrived in Poland Monday to meet with the head of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, and the prime minister of Qatar. At this point, the discussions have not reached the level of brokering a hostage deal. The Israel Defense Forces late last week claimed responsibility for the accidental killing of three Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The military said Saturday that the three hostages were waving a white flag.

Dig deeper: Read Carolina Lumetta’s report in The Stew about how Israel’s war with Hamas is affecting U.S. foreign policy.