Netanyahu to launch ground attack on Rafah despite US warning

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu plans a ground attack on Rafah despite U.S. opposition, citing the need to control the Gaza-Egypt ‘Philadelphia Corridor

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told lawmakers that he would launch a ground attack on Rafah, where Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have taken refuge, despite the reaction of the United States.

According to the news in the “Arutz Sheva” newspaper, known for its proximity to Jewish settlers, Netanyahu provided information to lawmakers in a closed session of the Israeli Parliament’s Foreign Relations and Defense Committee about plans for a ground attack on Rafah.

Netanyahu conveyed that the Washington administration did not want a ground attack on Rafah.

Still, they needed to control the “Philadelphia Corridor” (Salahaddin Corridor) between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, and there was no other way than to launch a ground attack.

Netanyahu also claimed that Israel did not obstruct Palestinians living in the region from leaving Gaza, and he also mentioned that there was no country willing to accept these Palestinians.

‘Israel is building a gate to replace Rafah Border Crossing’

The news also mentioned that Netanyahu was building a new crossing point to replace the Rafah Border Crossing between Egypt and Gaza.

It was reported that this border gate is being constructed in the Kerem Abu Salim area and will be under Israel’s control.

Presidents Biden and Netanyahu spoke on the phone yesterday after about a month.

Following the meeting, a statement from the White House reported Biden told Netanyahu that an occupation attempt on Rafah would be a mistake.

Biden and Netanyahu agreed that U.S. and Israeli officials would meet in Washington soon to discuss how an operation could be carried out in Rafah without a “comprehensive ground operation.”

Source: Newsroom

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