Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his confidence in the ongoing war against Hamas during a meeting with a bipartisan delegation from the United States in Israel. He stated that victory was within reach and that a ground offensive into Rafah was inevitable. Netanyahu emphasized that there was no alternative but to take decisive action in order to secure a successful outcome.
For the past month, Israel has been preparing to push forward into the southern city of Gaza, which has become a refuge for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who were displaced by the war.
The international community is expressing concerns over the plan, with the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights stating earlier this month that it could lead to a significant loss of life and increase the risk of further atrocity crimes.
In a phone conversation with Netanyahu, U.S. President Joe Biden, who had previously expressed strong support for Israel, now expresses skepticism and shares his “deep concerns” about the ongoing offensive.
During a meeting at the Pentagon on Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin assured his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, that the United States is committed to finding an alternative to a full-scale and potentially premature military operation. This information was shared by a senior U.S. defense official who was present at the meeting.
During a meeting with the U.S. delegation in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Netanyahu emphasized the vital importance for Israel to secure a decisive victory. He outlined this victory as the complete dismantling of Hamas’ military and governing infrastructure in Gaza, the safe return of all Israeli hostages currently held by this Iranian-backed militia, the guarantee that Gaza will never pose a future threat to Israel, and the elimination of all Hamas leadership. Netanyahu made it clear that Israel has no alternative but to achieve these objectives.
Netanyahu expressed his confidence and excitement, tapping the table in front of him. He proclaimed that victory was just a few weeks away and within reach.
U.S. lobby group, The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), organized the meeting where Netanyahu aimed to garner bipartisan U.S. support for the Rafah campaign.
According to him, the opposition to the planned offensive is hindering the Israeli victory, although he disagrees with the notion that it would lead to a humanitarian crisis.
He vehemently denied the claim, stating, “That’s absolutely false. It’s just not true.”
Palestinians displaced by the war have been compelled to relocate within the Gaza Strip. According to the United Nations, Rafah, a city situated near Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, is providing sanctuary to approximately 1.5 million Palestinians. This figure accounts for over half of the total population of the enclave, which amounts to 2.2 million inhabitants.
Netanyahu disagreed with the notion that a possible Israeli military incursion into Rafah would leave Palestinians without any shelter. He argued that they still have the rest of Gaza, particularly the northern region, where they can find a place to live.
He stated that individuals have the ability to move downward in life, but they also have the potential to move back up. Moreover, people are constantly on the move, carrying their tents with them.
Israel has also promised to supply them with food and water, while actively working on resolving any logistical issues that may hinder the delivery of these essential resources to those in need.
“He said that we ensure they have a place to move, along with shelters, water, food, medicine, field hospitals, and more.”
“We must address the misconception surrounding the notion that we are unable to complete the task at hand; it is almost like a mass hysteria that has been unjustly propagated. It is imperative that we persevere and see this through to the end.”
He compared the decision to not go into Rafah to fight Hamas to the scenario of the allied powers not entering Berlin during World War II, which would have allowed a significant portion of the Nazi army to remain intact.
“We are left with no option but to act, as our survival is at stake,” he stated.
According to him, he is aware of Biden’s stance against the plan. He also acknowledges that historically, Israel has often clashed with the United States regarding its military operations. He firmly states that if necessary, Israel will take independent action.
“I don’t want us to act alone, but we will if necessary. However, I believe we have the support of a wide range of American people from different political backgrounds. And I hope that we can count on your ongoing support as well,” he expressed.
On October 7, the war started when Hamas launched a vicious surprise attack on Israel. This attack led to the tragic loss of 1,200 Israeli lives and the abduction of 253 individuals.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the ongoing ground and air offensive by Israel has resulted in the deaths of over 32,000 Palestinians, with the majority being women and children.
The meeting was attended by a delegation from the United States, including Representatives Brad Schneider of Illinois, Jim Costa of California, Debbie Lesko of Arizona, Juan Vargas of California, Valerie Foushee of North Carolina, Kathy Manning of North Carolina, Marilyn Strickland of Washington, Norma Torres of California, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida.
