The War Cabinet was right to unanimously order the operation in Rafah on Sunday. This was one of the most sensitive decisions made since the beginning of the war, as many risks and consequences are involved in the renewed maneuvering of forces in Gaza. The reality and recent developments have forced Israel to emerge out of the predicament it found itself in. Rafah has become a symbol for all parties. The order to begin operating in Rafah was necessary because it is clear that Hamas has evaded reaching an agreement in recent days, despite the very generous deal Israel offered it. Israel's willingness to delay military activity in the city itself increased Yahya Sinwar's appetite.
Only with the announcement of the evacuation of civilians and heavy bombardment did the murderous organization suddenly announce its readiness for the ceasefire conditions. This means that military pressure is what led to what may be a hostage release deal in a few days. This is contrary to the opinion of those in Israel who believed that only submission to its demands would cause the organization to compromise. By the way, in the coming days, we will know if Hamas' announcement is sincere at all. This may be just an "agreement" for show, whose sole purpose is to draw more time to delay the operation in Rafah. In any case, the additional reason why the operation in Rafah had to be ordered was to regain the initiative. Israel has been floundering and getting hit, both in the north and south, for a month. And from the moment we are passive, it is no wonder that Hamas is offensive, and unfortunately in a deadly way, on both fronts. Thirdly, the whole world – enemies and friends alike – needs to see that Israel is destroying the genocidal enemy that has slaughtered its people on the face of the earth. This is a paramount existential interest if we are alive. In addition, we have publicly committed to doing so.
In other words, Israeli credibility is also at stake here: We promised to eliminate Hamas, and promises must be kept. Against these considerations stands American opposition to the operation in Rafah. Israel has already taken more than a few actions in defiance of the administration throughout the war, but as the US elections approach, it has become harder for President Joe Biden's people to come to terms with Israel's offensive posture.
In other words, the risk that the administration will turn its back on us in the UN or arms shipments is growing. Also, a series of European countries, according to a logic reserved for them alone, are threatening to recognize a Palestinian state if the IDF enters Hamas' last stronghold in Gaza. Even in the UN, harsh initiatives against Israel are constantly advancing. And we haven't even talked about the potential arrest warrants currently being prepared in the International Criminal Court in The Hague. From the moment our soldiers enter the city, all these problematic processes are expected to advance and significantly complicate matters for Israel. And yet, in the final analysis, "we understand and are not fools. They want our surrender and their victory, and they won't get it. If anyone thinks we will succumb to pressure, including from our friends, they are mistaken. The essential condition is the elimination of the battalions. There is no possibility of a complete withdrawal (within the framework of the deal - A.K.), and this was validated in the Cabinet. We are going to eliminate Hamas." So Netanyahu rightly preached in the government meeting the other day. Now it needs to be implemented.
