Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his resolve to proceed with plans to invade Rafah, despite mounting pressure from the US to abandon the attack. More than 1 million people have already been displaced in the southern Gaza city since the beginning of the war. Netanyahu, in a speech to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, acknowledged the pressure from Washington but stated that Israel is rejecting it in order to achieve its war goals.
The Prime Minister’s comments came after a phone conversation with President Biden, who had summoned an Israeli team to Washington for consultations on the assault. The disagreements between the US and Israel over the handling of the war in Gaza have widened, with more than 31,800 Palestinians dead, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the urgent need for immediate aid to Gaza as the entire population of 2.2 million people is facing acute food insecurity. A report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative revealed that Gaza is experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger and starvation, with northern Gaza potentially facing famine.
Aid workers and Western officials are skeptical about the possibility of protecting civilians during an assault on Rafah, where much of the incoming aid is inspected. However, Netanyahu remains steadfast, stating that the remaining Hamas battalions cannot be eliminated without a ground incursion.
In response to the pressure, Israel has announced that a delegation including Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi will be sent to the US so that the fighting can continue. The visit is expected to take place early next week.
Meanwhile, cease-fire talks are ongoing in Qatar, focusing on the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. However, Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, warned that any attack on Rafah would derail the negotiations.
David Barnea, the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, has already left Doha, leaving an Israeli team in place to continue discussions. Yaakov Amidror, a former Israeli national security adviser, emphasized the crucial nature of this moment, stating that if the negotiations do not lead to a deal, Israel will immediately move into Rafah.
The US has urged Israel to develop a coherent and sustainable strategy to defeat Hamas, avoiding further civilian casualties and devastation. President Biden proposed an alternative approach that would target key Hamas elements without a major ground invasion. Netanyahu agreed to send a team of top military, intelligence, and humanitarian officials to discuss this alternative approach.
It is essential to consider the potential future trends related to these developments and their implications. The growing rift between the US and Israel signifies a significant diplomatic challenge for both countries. The US, as Israel’s principal military