The Israeli prime minister’s comments indicate he might proceed with an invasion of the packed city of Rafah against the wishes of its closest ally.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a US threat to withhold some arms would not prevent Israel from continuing its offensive in Gaza, indicating it might proceed with an invasion of the packed city of Rafah against the wishes of its closest ally.
Israel’s top military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, also appeared to downplay the practical impact of any arms holdup. “The army has munitions for the missions it plans, and for the missions in Rafah, too - we have what we need,” he said in response to a question at a news conference. In an earlier response to Biden’s decision, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote a post on the platform X with a heart between the words “Hamas” and “Biden.” He and other ultra-nationalist members of Netanyahu’s coalition support a large-scale Rafah operation and have threatened to bring down his government if it doesn’t happen.
Some analysts said Biden’s tough line against Israel, and the rift between the allies, threatened to weaken Israel’s negotiating position and harden Hamas’ stances. Hamas has demanded guarantees for an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of any deal — steps Israel has ruled out.
The war has killed over 34,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel’s offensive, waged with U.S.-supplied munitions, has caused widespread devastation and forced some 80 per cent of Gaza’s population to flee their homes. A recently reopened route in the north is still functioning, but only 60 trucks entered on Tuesday, far below the 500 that entered Gaza each day before the war.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Netanyahu making a ‘mistake’ on Gaza, says Biden, as he urges Israel to push for ceasefireUS president gives some of his strongest criticism of Israeli PM yet, saying he needs to ‘empower’ Israel’s negotiators to call for a truce
Read more »
Israel-Gaza: Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal as Israel strikes RafahIsrael approves Rafah military operation hours after Hamas agrees to ceasefire; judge warns Trump of potential jail time; voters wary of nuclear replacing coal. Follow updates here.
Read more »
US considers sanctions against IDF unit accused of West Bank abusesIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will fight any such measures, using his Passover address to pledge to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
Read more »
Hundreds protest across Israel calling for Netanyahu to accept ceasefire dealPolice cleared a large protest in Tel Aviv, where hundreds were urging Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the terms of a Hamas truce deal in Gaza
Read more »
Middle East crisis live: Hamas reportedly ‘positive’ on ceasefire talks; Biden urges Netanyahu against Rafah invasionMilitant group has no ‘major issues’ after reviewing Israel’s latest truce proposal; US president reiterates ‘clear position’ on Rafah
Read more »
US pushes for Gaza truce and hostage release as Blinken visitsEgypt is stepping up efforts at mediation to secure an agreement between Israel and Hamas leading to a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages.
Read more »