The United States believes Israel should take every measure it can to distinguish Palestinian civilians from Hamas gunmen in its military operation in Gaza, White House security adviser Jake Sullivan said today.

In an interview with CNN, Sullivan also called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “contain” extremist Jewish settler violence against innocent people in the West Bank.

Also, Sullivan did not say whether there are differences between the US and Israel about the military attack on Gaza, but emphasized that Washington is honest with its ally.

In the face of growing outcry over Israel’s bombardment of Gaza following the deadly Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas inside Israeli territory, Sullivan said “We do not support the death of innocent people, whether they are Palestinians, whether they are Israelis or whatever.”

Israeli forces are expanding ground operations in Gaza while their warplanes struck hundreds more Hamas targets today in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the second phase of a three-week war.

Asked if there was “daylight” between the two allies on Israel’s military operation, Sullivan told CBS’ “Face the Nation” they were discussing tough issues, humanitarian aid, thethe distinction between terrorists and innocent civilians, how Israel thinks about its military operation.

“We speak honestly, we have spoken directly, we share our views and in a clear way and we will continue to do so,” Sullivan said.

“But publicly I will only say that the United States will make its principles and proposals absolutely clear, including the sanctity of human life. And then we will continue to provide our advice to Israel privately.”