Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set a date for an IDF operation in Rafah to destroy the remaining Hamas battalions, as the United States reiterated its opposition to such a step, which it fears will create a humanitarian disaster.
“This victory requires entering Rafah and eliminating the terrorist battalions there. This will happen; there is a date,” Netanyahu said in a brief video message he issued to the public on Monday night.
He spoke after the IDF removed Brigade 98 from Gaza, a move believed to be necessary so the troops could rest and regroup in advance of any further military activity in the enclave.
It sparked speculation, however, that Israel had decided not to send the IDF into Rafah. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to leave the government if the IDF did not enter Rafah or if it prematurely ended the war.
Israel has insisted that it can not oust Hamas from Gaza without such an operation.
US National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby told reporters, “We have consistently made clear that we don’t support a significant ground operation in Rafah.
“I would also add that we don’t see any signs that such a major ground operation is imminent, or that these troops are being repositioned” for such an operation, Kirby said.
“The Israelis have assured us that there will be no operations in and around Rafah until we have had a chance to talk to them at greater length about the viable options and alternatives to a major ground operation,” Kirby said.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi are expected to travel to Washington to meet with officials from the Biden administration.
Netanyahu had canceled an initial meeting on the issue. Kirby said that a virtual conversation has since been held, but no date has been set for an anticipated face-to-face conversation.
