Top US Official Confirms Involvement in Israeli Operation Without “Forces on the Ground”
According to national security adviser Jake Sullivan, “The United States has been providing support … to help identify the locations of hostages in Gaza.”
A senior White House official confirmed on Sunday that the United States assisted Israel in its hostage rescue mission over the weekend without deploying troops on the ground.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with multiple news outlets the day after the Israel Defense Forces carried out an operation to rescue four Hamas-held hostages in Gaza.
“The United States has been providing support to Israel for several months in its efforts to help identify the locations of hostages in Gaza and to support efforts to try to secure their rescue or recovery,” Mr. Sullivan told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday.
“We have generally provided support to the IDF so that we can try to get all of the hostages home, including the American hostages who are still being held,” he added.
In an ABC News interview on Sunday, Mr. Sullivan revealed that the United States had been involved in the Israeli hostage mission for months but clarified that there were no U.S. forces on the ground.
Mr. Sullivan also addressed reports of casualties during the rescue attempt, stating that there was no confirmation of Israeli hostages dying despite claims made by Hamas. However, he acknowledged the inherent risks involved in such operations.
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Mr. Sullivan clarified that no U.S. soldiers or officials were physically involved in the Israeli hostage rescue mission.
“We did not participate militarily in this operation, and there were no U.S. troops present on the ground,” he affirmed.
He also addressed conflicting reports of casualties issued by the Gaza Health Ministry, operated by Hamas, and Israeli military spokespersons. Mr. Sullivan emphasized the importance of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to bring the conflict to an end and ensure the safe return of all hostages.
President Biden expressed his satisfaction with the successful rescue of the hostages and vowed to continue working towards securing the release of all individuals held captive in the region.
