Israel To Proceed With Rafah Operation, Despite US Concerns

Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, speaking on a podcast today, has declared that Israel will proceed with a ground invasion of the Gazan city of Rafah despite opposition from key allies, including the US.

• Dermer: "Even if the entire world turns on Israel, including the United States, we're going to fight until the battle's won... We're not going to leave a quarter of [Hamas] in place. We're going into Rafah because we have to ... And I think what people don't understand is that Oct. 7 is an existential moment for Israel."
• Dermer is expected to be among a delegation of Israeli security officials who will travel to Washington early next week to discuss plans for a Rafah operation with their US counterparts.
• The White House issued a number of sharp statements this week accusing Israel of failing to adequately stabilise parts of Gaza which have already been cleared of Hamas militants, and warning that an operation in Gaza would create additional chaos.
• With Democratic support for Israel softening, Prime Minister Netanyahu has sought to bolster support with Republicans. The PM addressed a meeting of GOP Senators yesterday and criticsed a recent speech from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) which partially blamed the Netanyahu administration for exacerbating the conflict.
• Next month, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is widely expected to move a standalone Israel aid bill in the House of Representatives. If a vote goes ahead, it will provide a temperature check on Washington's support for Israel.