Biden convinced Israeli authorities to change plans for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip to "something else," Bloomberg reports.
The United States fears civilian casualties and the opening of a second front by Hezbollah, which could "ignite" the entire Middle East and draw the United States into the conflict.
Initially, the IDF planned to launch "coordinated air, sea and ground strikes" to destroy militants in the Gaza Strip. Now Israel is suggesting that the ground offensive "may be different from what you think. It may start later and last longer, unfolding in "the most unexpected way."
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen suggested that Israel is likely to seek to create a buffer zone around the Gaza Strip rather than fully occupy the territory. Prime Minister Netanyahu said after Biden's visit that an agreement had been reached on "cooperation that will change the balance of power in all theaters of war."
Biden said he had spoken with the Israelis about various "alternatives" to a ground war.
"Justice must be done. But I warn you: as long as you feel this rage, do not give in to it. After September 11, we in the United States were furious. While we sought justice and we got justice, we also made mistakes," Biden said.
US officials have said they still hope to finalize the deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, although the war with Hamas threatens to derail it.
Sources say that the role and influence of the United States in this war is deeper and more intense than any influence Washington has had in the past.
