Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to invade Rafah despite pressures from Ramadan and Washington ahead of surgery for a hernia. Netanyahu approved the IDF’s “operational plan” for Rafah, emphasizing the need to enter and eliminate Hamas battalions there. He met with families of hostages in Gaza and rejected accusations of delaying their release, stating that negotiations must be conducted with calm determination. The comments came as he prepared for surgery, which was discovered during a routine checkup. Israeli society remains divided over Netanyahu’s leadership amid ongoing conflicts with Hamas, though the country largely supports the war.
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. Roughly half of the hostages in Gaza were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November, but efforts to bring home the remaining hostages have failed. Talks resumed with little expectation of progress, with Netanyahu emphasizing the need for a military offensive in Rafah. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported over 32,000 Palestinian deaths since the war began, though Israel disputes these figures, attributing civilian casualties to Hamas.
Negotiations with Hamas have been challenging, with Israel relaxing its position while Hamas has hardened theirs. Netanyahu emphasized the need for calm and determination in negotiations to ensure the return of hostages. The surgical procedure for Netanyahu’s hernia was scheduled amid ongoing conflicts and tensions with Hamas. Israeli society has been divided over the leadership of Netanyahu, despite the country’s largely united support for the war. The comments by Netanyahu regarding the invasion of Rafah came as he met with families of hostages in Gaza, rejecting accusations of delaying their release.
The Israeli Prime Minister remains committed to a military ground offensive in Rafah, emphasizing that there can be no victory without eliminating Hamas in the southern Gaza city. Attempts by international mediators to secure the release of hostages have not yielded significant progress. Netanyahu’s focus on Rafah and the need for a military offensive underscores the ongoing challenges in the conflict with Hamas. The country’s support for the war contrasts with divisions over Netanyahu’s leadership, creating tensions amid the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu has maintained a full schedule despite health issues, highlighting his determination in the face of challenges.
