Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel made a bold statement on Thursday, asserting that the country is prepared to “stand alone” if necessary, despite differences with the United States. This declaration comes in the midst of escalating tensions over a potential Israeli offensive in the packed city of Rafah in Gaza.
The US has expressed concerns about the humanitarian impact of an invasion of Rafah and has threatened to withhold offensive weapons for such an operation. President Joe Biden has urged Israel to reconsider its plans, but Netanyahu remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting Israel’s interests.
In a defiant statement, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s determination to defend itself, stating, “if we have to stand alone, we will stand alone. If we need to, we will fight with our fingernails. But we have much more than fingernails.”
The potential invasion of Rafah, which is seen as a stronghold of Hamas, has raised alarm among aid groups and the United Nations. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is already dire, with a significant portion of the population suffering from hunger and famine.
Despite international efforts to broker a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages, the situation remains tense. Hamas has reportedly accepted a cease-fire proposal, but Israel insists that the plan does not meet its demands.
As the standoff continues, the world watches closely to see how the US and Israel will navigate their differences and work towards a resolution that avoids further escalation of the conflict in Gaza.