White House urges Israel to scale back ground operations in Gaza as war hits 100 days: 'It's the right time'

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The White House is calling on Israel to scale back its military offensive in the Gaza Strip as the country’s war with Hamas in Gaza crossed the 100-day milestone.

On Sunday, the official 100th day of the conflict, U.S. officials said "it’s the right time" for Israel to transition to "low-intensity operations" in Gaza. The comment was met with Israeli leaders again vowing to continue with their ground operation through the Gaza Strip to eradicate the ruling Hamas militant group.

During a public interview on Sunday, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. has been speaking to Israel "about a transition to low-intensity operations" in Gaza.

"We believe it’s the right time for that transition. And we’re talking to them about doing that," he added.

NETANYAHU CLARIFIES ISRAEL'S WAR GOAL IS NOT 'PERMANENTLY OCCUPYING GAZA' OR TO DISPLACE PALESTINIANS

Kirby credited Israel with having taken some "precursory steps" toward scaling down its offensive, but said there was more to do.

"We’re not saying let your foot up off the gas completely and don’t keep going after Hamas," he continued. "It’s just that we believe the time is coming here very, very soon for a transition to this lower intensity phase."

In a short and sure response, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed Sunday that Israel would continue its war against Hamas.

"It’s been 100