US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan revealed during his White House press briefing that President Joe Biden firmly opposed the notion of supporting a significant Israeli ground incursion in Rafah, as conveyed in a recent call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. Sullivan emphasized, “A major ground operation there would be a mistake. It would lead to more innocent civilian deaths, worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis, deepen the anarchy in Gaza and further isolate Israel internationally.”
The call between the two leaders, their 20th since the conflict erupted following Hamas’s October 7 attack, occurred after an unprecedented speech by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Schumer stated, “Netanyahu, who the most senior Jewish lawmaker in Congress said has ‘lost his way’ and branded as an obstacle to peace along with Hamas, the Israeli far-right and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.”
In response, Sullivan asserted that Israel has historically exerted more influence on American politics than vice versa. He stated, “But the purpose of his press conference was to underscore the US’s firm position against a large-scale Israeli operation in Rafah.”
While the US had previously hinted at potential support for such an offensive under certain conditions, Sullivan emphasized that other means could achieve Israel’s objectives in Rafah. President Biden urged Netanyahu to dispatch a delegation to Washington to explore alternative approaches targeting key Hamas elements in Rafah and securing the Egypt-Gaza border without resorting to a major ground invasion. Sullivan clarified that Biden rejected the notion that questioning operations in Rafah equated to questioning efforts to defeat Hamas. He reiterated the US’s stance that Hamas should not be allowed safe havens, emphasizing the need for discussions on alternative strategies.
Following Sullivan’s remarks, President Biden issued a statement reaffirming Israel’s right to combat Hamas while emphasizing the importance of an immediate ceasefire to facilitate hostage release negotiations and increase aid to Gaza civilians. Biden stated, “I continued to affirm that Israel has a right to go after Hamas, a group of terrorists responsible for the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust.”
Sullivan highlighted three reasons for Biden’s reservations about a large-scale operation in Rafah: the plight of over a million civilians seeking refuge in Rafah, the impact on humanitarian aid distribution, and Egypt’s opposition to the operation. Furthermore, Sullivan expressed concerns about Israel’s long-term strategy in targeting Hamas, particularly citing challenges in preventing Hamas’s resurgence and the lack of a sustainable plan post-conflict.
While the US continues to support Israel’s fight against Hamas, it stresses the need for a strategy that minimizes civilian casualties and ensures long-term stability. Sullivan clarified that Biden did not threaten Netanyahu but urged him to consider alternative approaches in dealing with the Rafah situation. The US remains committed to brokering a ceasefire and advancing a broader regional initiative involving Arab allies and the Palestinian Authority to address the Gaza crisis. Despite challenges, Sullivan affirmed the urgency of reaching a resolution to end the conflict and alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Sullivan also addressed concerns about aid delivery to Gaza, urging Israel to facilitate assistance effectively. He stated, “From our perspective, it is connecting Israel’s objective to a sustainable strategy. That is the final thing we need to focus on right now, rather than have Israel go smash into Rafah. That is what the president talked to the prime minister about today.”
As discussions continue between Israel and the US, President Biden emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy that upholds international law and prioritizes civilian welfare in Gaza. The US awaits Israel’s written assurance regarding the appropriate use of American military aid, underlining its commitment to accountability and humanitarian principles.
{Matzav.com}
“A major ground operation there would be a mistake. It would lead to more innocent civilian deaths, worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis, deepen the anarchy in Gaza and further isolate Israel internationally.”
If the United States (or any entity or individual) has an alternate plan to eliminate the terrorist group which murdered over 1,000 civilians in an unprovoked invasion and pledges to continue doing so ad infinitum, please, by all means, enlighten Israel – I’m sure they’d be extremely interested. On the other hand, if the only plan is that Israel should reward Hamas’s strategy of hiding behind civilians by effectively surrendering and accepting terror attacks in perpetuity, then no, Mr. Biden, with all due respect to the U.S. as a generous benefactor, Israel must do what it needs to in order to protect itself.
What does Biden know that he is not sharing with anyone. Considering the fact that he doesn’t want them to go into Rafah. we know it is a hotbed for terrorist. Biden stay out of this. We never told America how to defend themselves during 9/11, so don’t tell Israel how to defend themselves.
Biden ought to keep his mouth shut as we all know he was never elected potus