Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a bold statement ahead of his surgery for a hernia, vowing that Israel will invade Rafah despite pressures from Ramadan and Washington. Netanyahu, 74, has approved the IDF’s operational plan for Rafah, stating that the force is prepared for the evacuation of the civilian population and the provision of humanitarian assistance.
“This is the right thing both operationally and internationally,” Netanyahu declared. “We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there for one simple reason: There is no victory without entering Rafah and there is no victory without eliminating the Hamas battalions there.”
The Israeli leader’s comments come after meeting with the families of hostages still in Gaza, rejecting accusations of delaying their release. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of conducting negotiations calmly and with determination to secure the return of hostages.
Despite facing health issues, including a recently discovered hernia and a previously undisclosed heart problem, Netanyahu has maintained a full schedule during Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. The country remains largely in favor of the war, but divisions over Netanyahu’s leadership have emerged.
Thousands of Israelis gathered in Jerusalem for the largest anti-government demonstration since the war began, urging the government to reach a cease-fire deal and hold early elections. Efforts to bring home hostages held by Hamas have so far been unsuccessful, with talks resuming on Sunday with little hope of a breakthrough.
Netanyahu has emphasized the necessity of a military ground offensive in Rafah, where a significant portion of Gaza’s population now resides. The conflict has taken a toll on both sides, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 32,000 Palestinian deaths since the start of the war.
As tensions continue to escalate, Netanyahu’s determination to secure victory in Rafah remains unwavering. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
