ALBAWABA - As tensions in the area rise, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the military will launch attacks on Rafah, which is located in the southern part of Gaza, in the coming weeks.
Speaking prior to a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized the growing international pressure on Israel, stating that since October 7, Israel has been active on both the military and diplomatic fronts. He claimed that some members of the international community were trying to prematurely terminate the war's goals by making "baseless accusations" against the military, the government, and him.
Reiterating that Israeli military objectives will not be deterred by external pressure, Netanyahu listed the goals as "eliminating Hamas, releasing all our hostages, and ensuring that Gaza never poses a threat to Israel again."
Speaking to the world community, Netanyahu berated the seeming forgetting of what he called "the most horrific Jewish massacre since the Holocaust," which occurred on October 7. He called for pressure to be applied to Iran, the benefactor of Hamas, as opposed to Israel.
"We have approved operational plans for Rafah, including steps for the evacuation of civilians from the combat zones," Netanyahu said, restating the strategy for the operation. Prior to taking military action, this is a crucial stage."
The chief Israeli negotiator said that the Rafah operation would start in the coming weeks.
According to analysis in the Israeli media, Netanyahu was sending a message to US President Joe Biden with his speech to the international community. This comes after calls for national elections and criticism of Israel's handling of the Gaza issue by Biden and other US officials.
The entire world, including Egypt and the United States, has warned against entering the region, which is home to almost 1.5 million displaced Palestinians. Nevertheless, Netanyahu approved the attack on Rafah.
