During a meeting of the Knesset’s foreign affairs and security committee, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that he will be sending two of his top advisors to the United States to discuss the Israeli operation in Rafah, located in the south of the Gaza Strip. This decision comes following a request made by American President Joe Biden.
Netanyahu emphasized that while he shares the desire to facilitate an orderly exit of the population and provide humanitarian aid to civilians, the offensive is necessary. President Biden had urged Netanyahu to send a team of experts to discuss alternatives to the ground offensive in Rafah.
However, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about a major ground operation in Rafah, stating that it would lead to more civilian casualties. He suggested that Israel could achieve its objectives in Rafah through other means. Netanyahu is adamant about the need for a ground incursion to eliminate Hamas battalions in the area.
During his speech, Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to completing the elimination of these battalions in Rafah, stating that failure to do so would leave a significant portion of Hamas intact. This poses a new threat to Israel as Hamas could reorganize and retake Gaza Strip if left unchecked. Netanyahu made it clear to President Biden that a ground incursion is necessary to fully address this threat.
Despite differing opinions on the approach to the situation in Rafah, both leaders are engaged in discussions to find a resolution. Netanyahu’s delegation
