"U.S. Officials Urge Israel to Delay Gaza Ground Assault for Hostage Talks"

The Biden administration has expressed concerns about Israel's lack of achievable military objectives and readiness for a ground invasion in Gaza. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has emphasized the need for careful consideration of conducting a ground invasion due to the intricate tunnel networks maintained by Hamas under densely populated areas. While the US still supports a ground invasion, the Pentagon has sent officers to assist Israel with the challenges of urban warfare. The administration is also concerned about the potential loss of civilian lives and the absence of a clear military plan to achieve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's goal of eradicating Hamas.