By: Micaela Burrow, Daily Caller News Foundation
The Pentagon dispatched a three-star Marine Corps general and several officers to advise Israel’s military on a ground invasion of Gaza, Axios reported.
Israel’s military leaders have prepared to launch a ground operation against Gaza with the goal of eliminating Hamas, the militant group that carried out bloody terrorist attacks on Israeli soil on Oct. 7. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn and several other U.S. military officers have been in Israel sharing lessons learned from fighting the Islamic State (ISIS) in Mosul, Iraq to help the Israel Defense Forces leaders plan the onslaught, Axios reported, citing two U.S. and two Israeli officials briefed on the matter.
Glynn previously served as deputy commander of the U.S. Special Operations task force in Iraq for Operation Inherent Resolve and commander of Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARFORSOC), his bio shows. His latest assignment was as deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
The American military officers are not directing any operations, the officials told Axios. Their role is simply to advise the IDF on military planning for operations in Gaza.
Glynn is not expected to remain in Israel after the IDF commences the invasion, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
“We have asked several officials with relevant experience, simply to help Israeli officials think through the difficult questions ahead and explore their options. The IDF will, as always, make its own decisions,” a Pentagon spokesperson told Axios.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has spoken with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, nearly every day since Israel declared war on Hamas, according to readouts of the calls available on the Defense Department’s website. Austin and Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), have both visited Israel to meet with Gallant and IDF leaders, according to Axios.
The IDF has not said when the planned operation will begin, according to Axios.
Gallant told troops stationed near the border with Gaza a ground operation would come “soon,” Times of Israel reportedon Friday. He warned the fight will be long, difficult and intense.
The Pentagon and the Marine Corps did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
Related Story: U.S. Puts Special Operations Troops on Alert for Potential Hostage Rescue in Gaza: Report
