Netanyahu-Rafah Op Is Responsible Step-By-Step Action, Will Take Weeks

In an interview with CNBC, PM Benjamin Netanyahu, when asked if he would conduct a full-scale invasion of Rafah, states that the operation 'is a responsible, step-by-step action'. Says that his is 'committed to getting all hostages back', but acknowledges the Rafah operation 'will take weeks'.

• Netanyahu acknowledges the difficulties with the White House at present. Netanyahu: '[The] Biden relationship is often laced with disagreements'. Netanyhau: "“Yes, we do have a disagreement [...] on Rafah. But we have to do what we have to. [...] you just have to do what is required to ensure your survival and your future. We cannot continue into the future by having Hamas retake Gaza.” Says that he 'hopes US military aid happens'.
• Netanyahu: "Israel wants the Rafah crossing to open. [I] hope we can come to [an] understanding with Egypt." Relations betweent he two sides remain very strained amid the IDF operation moving into Rafah (see 'ISRAEL: Def Min To Hold Presser Amid Deterioration In Relations w/Egypt' 1039BST).
• Barak Ravid at Axios: "A delegation of Israeli security & intelligence officials led by the Shin Bet visited Cairo today for talks with senior Egyptian officials in an attempt to resolve the crisis over the IDF operation in Rafah and the closing of the Rafah crossing, [...] Why this is matters: "The purpose of the talks in Cairo is to cool down tensions with Egypt and warm relations", the Israeli source said"