ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brushed off Washington’s warnings, signaling a possible Rafah invasion despite Biden’s plea to avoid escalating the crisis.
Biden has ruled out providing offensive weapons for the operation, increasing pressure on Netanyahu.
“I’ve made it clear to Bibi (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) and the war cabinet: They’re not going to get our support if they go [into] these population centers,” according to Joe Biden, U.S. President.
In a defiant statement on Thursday, Netanyahu asserted that Israel was prepared to stand alone and, if necessary, fight tooth and nail.
“Today, we are much stronger. We are determined, and we are united to defeat our enemy and those who seek our souls. If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone. I already said that if we have to, we will fight tooth and nail,” stated Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Phil McGraw on a show, Netanyahu said he has known Biden for years, and while they have had disagreements, they were able to overcome them. He expressed hope that they can do the same now.
“I’ve known Joe Biden for many years, 40 years and more…We often had agreements, but we’ve had our disagreements, and we’ve been able to overcome them. I hope we can overcome them now,” Netanyahu said.
The White House emphasizes a shared goal with Israel to eradicate Hamas but stresses President Biden’s opposition to using U.S.-provided bombs on civilians in Rafah, where over a million people have sought refuge.
National Security spokesman John Kirby stated that, in the president’s view, an assault on Rafah would not further this objective.
“Smashing into Rafah, in [the president’s] view, will not advance that objective…” said John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor.
Netanyahu stated that Rafah is Hamas’ final stronghold, noting that Israel has already neutralized 20 out of Hamas’ 24 battalions, with the remaining four located in Rafah.
