The resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas has brought to the forefront the diverging positions of Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the hawkish wing of Israel's government. As the fighting intensifies, disagreements on tactical decisions and strategic objectives have strained relations between the United States and Israel.

One key point of contention revolves around Israel's military maneuvers in Gaza. The Biden administration, in line with the international community, sees the Palestinian Authority (PA) as the most viable alternative to Hamas' rule in the region. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, constrained by his right-wing allies, is hesitant to support such a move. His coalition partners view any shift towards the PA as a potential compromise on territorial concessions and negotiations for a Palestinian state.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, representing the Religious Zionism and Jewish Power parties, respectively, are leading a prominent campaign that equates the Palestinians of Gaza with those on the West Bank, which is currently under PA administration. They argue that Hamas' growing popularity in West Bank cities, as evident in a recent poll conducted by Arab World for Research & Development in November, demonstrates the need for continuity in the approach towards both regions.

Amidst the discord, the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas, which had expired on December 1, was shattered as the Israeli army accused Hamas of violating the operational pause and resumed combat operations. The situation on the ground remains highly volatile, with both sides ramping up their military activities.

The differing viewpoints between the US and Israeli government reflect a broader struggle between coalition politics and national interests. Prime Minister Netanyahu finds himself having to choose between securing the future of his coalition and prioritizing the national interest of Israel. As the fighting continues, the future administration of Gaza remains uncertain, with delicate negotiations and tough decisions on the horizon.

The United States, along with the international community, watches closely as Israel grapples with its domestic challenges while attempting to navigate the complex path towards a lasting resolution in the region. The outcome of these discussions and the actions taken by both parties will have far-reaching implications for the future of Gaza and the larger Israeli-Palestinian conflict.