Former Israeli Prime Minister Bennett says, "The world community is no longer with us", meaning a stark indicator of growing isolation. 

It is not only Israel's isolation that raises concerns; it is also the United States, its long-time ally. Remarkably, the recent vote at the UN General Assembly saw 120 countries in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions, with only 12 nations offering full support to both the US and Israel.

This international stance primarily stems from Israel's actions, which include allegations of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and attacks amounting to crimes against humanity. Disclosures of Israel's contemplation of deporting Palestinians to the Egyptian desert have rendered its position untenable, even among several US allies.

WSJ: 'US and Israel Diverging on Gaza'

The Biden administration, which initially stood firmly alongside Israel, now faces mounting international isolation and domestic opposition. Reports in US media suggest that, President Biden has shifted his policy in response to mounting criticism within his own party. According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the Biden administration is advocating for an approach that minimizes civilian casualties while targeting Hamas leaders. The WSJ explicitly highlights the divergence in long-term strategies between the US and Israel. This discrepancy explains the failure of the much-discussed "broad ground operation" to materialize. Despite speculation regarding a significant military operation due to the presence of US aircraft carriers in the Eastern Mediterranean, the geopolitical landscape and multipolarity, as we have discussed in previous articles, make such an operation unlikely.

Sending a Clear Message

Contrary to expectations of a substantial military operation, the US administration is now signaling the need for a "pause." Initially, the White House expressed support for a "humanitarian pause." On November 2, President Biden remarked, "I think we need to take a break." Subsequently, US Secretary of State Blinken called for a "humanitarian pause" in Jordan on November 5.

Another sign of the US grappling with the situation is the recent statement from former US President Obama. Obama observed, "No one's hands are clean in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We are all complicit to some degree." Given the timing, Obama's statement can be seen as a delicate balancing act for the Democratic Party and the Biden administration.

Ways to Prevent a Ground Operation

Numerous factors have contributed to preventing a significant ground operation. Firstly, the emerging multipolar world has limited the US's ability to act unilaterally. Secondly, varying degrees of international reactions, such as South American countries expelling Israeli ambassadors, have played a role. Thirdly, the potential regionalization of the conflict with the Iranian factor proved to be too costly for the US. Lastly, even within the US, Israel's blatant aggression has led to reluctance in initiating the announced ground operation.

Despite these factors, Israel may still push for a "limited ground operation," given the substantial support it enjoys within the US.

However, it is essential to consider the addition of "sanction" measures as a deterrent. In the end, both Israel and the US can be restrained not merely through rhetoric but through action. The primary action that could be taken is an embargo on fuel shipments to Israel. Turkey, in particular, has the potential to wield considerable influence by discontinuing fuel supplies to Israel from Ceyhan, suspending operations at the Kürecik Radar base, and closing Incirlik Air Base to flights. Such sanctions would effectively prevent the ground operation from proceeding.