Netanyahu sticks to Rafah ground invasion plan despite US concerns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his commitment to proceeding with a ground operation in Rafah, located in southern Gaza, despite reservations from U.S. President Joe Biden. Netanyahu shared with a parliamentary committee on Tuesday his intention to consider American proposals to safeguard civilians in Rafah as a gesture of respect to President Biden. However, he remains convinced that a ground invasion is essential for achieving Israel’s objective of dismantling the remaining Hamas factions in the area.

Netanyahu highlighted that the disagreement with the U.S. centers around the strategy for Rafah, not the broader goal of neutralizing Hamas. He emphasized the necessity of a ground incursion for effectively targeting the militant group’s strongholds in Rafah.

Rafah is described as Hamas’ significant base in Gaza, situated near the Egyptian border. With ongoing conflict, approximately 1.5 million Palestinians, constituting over half of Gaza’s population, have sought refuge in Rafah.

The U.S. has stipulated that it will not endorse an operation in Rafah without a plausible Israeli strategy for civilian protection. According to White House officials, Israel has yet to propose such a plan.

Following discussions with President Biden — their first in over a month — Netanyahu agreed on Monday to dispatch a delegation of Israeli representatives to Washington to deliberate on the planned operation in Rafah.