Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated today, despite international warnings, that an Israeli military offensive would also take place in Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip. “Of course, only after we allow civilians in combat zones to move to safe areas,” Netanyahu said in a press release in Jerusalem.
He emphasized that they would not bow to international pressure on the issue. “Anyone who wants to stop us from operating in Rafah is ultimately telling us 'let's lose the war'.” He won't allow it.
Even if there is a hostage deal, they will invade Rafah, Netanyahu said. In doing so, he affects the families of the 134 hostages, whose lives they fear. Despite his simultaneous assurances that he would do everything he could to secure his release, the public statement actually undermined hopes for a deal.
The US warns of an offensive
Israel is preparing a military offensive in the city of Rafah, which borders Egypt, in order to take action against Islamic Hamas there too. Hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people have sought protection in the city in southern Palestinian territory. Plans to expand Israeli operations in the overcrowded city have drawn widespread international criticism. The US has also warned against this.
The Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip was triggered by the unprecedented massacre that terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups carried out in Israel on October 7th. On the Israeli side, more than 1,200 people were killed. Israel responded with heavy airstrikes and a ground offensive.
Presents himself as a tough negotiator of Israeli interests
Netanyahu reiterated that they would “settle accounts” with the Hamas leadership. It's only a matter of time. Netanyahu said he would not allow international parties to impose any rules on the issue of a future peace deal with the Palestinians.
Netanyahu also responded to media reports that the United States and other allies could recognize a Palestinian state without Israeli consent. Israel “under my leadership” will vehemently resist this “unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state”, said the head of the government, who is once again trying to guarantee its political survival by presenting itself as resistant to international pressure.