In response to the intelligence data, one former high-ranking official reported that it prompted an urgent meeting among various agencies, where possible measures were discussed, including limiting the exchange of intelligence information with Israel to avoid U.S. complicity in potential crimes.
Despite the concerns expressed within the administration and the State Department, Biden rejected his advisors' recommendations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that Israel's actions could be seen as ethnic cleansing, a term that has become common among State Department officials when discussing Israeli operations.
Some high-profile officials admitted they feared for their career prospects if they expressed the opinion that support for Israel should be limited.
Since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, Israel has killed over 70,000 people, the majority of whom are women and children, and injured more than 170,000.
