Rafiah

If ‘never again is now,’ we must finish the mission in Gaza

We severely compromised our autonomy and mobility due to our longtime dependence on others. Now we have struck in Rafah despite world criticism - at last. Kol hakavod leTzahal!

20 terrorists eliminated:

Rafah Crossing under IDF control

IDF forces take control of Gazan side of Rafah Crossing, provide Egypt with ongoing updates.

Sources:

'Israel moving to capture Palestinian side of Rafah crossing'

Axios reports that Israeli forces are planning to capture the Palestinian Arab side of the Rafah crossing and monitor all aid entering Gaza.

Watch:

The prayer before entering Rafah

This is how one IDF soldier prayed before the ground operation in Rafah.

Gantz:

'Rafah operation - part of the effort to return the hostages'

National Unity chairman tells the families of the hostages that the response from Hamas "does not correspond to the dialogue that has taken place so far with the mediators and contains significant gaps".

Gallant:

'Hamas refusing hostage deal forces us into Rafah'

Defense Minister meets families of hostages, says efforts to return their loved ones will continue even during Rafah operation,

Biden, Netanyahu discuss Rafah operation

As IDF begins preparations for evacuation of Rafah, US President reiterates to Israeli PM that he believes a hostage deal is the best way to avoid an operation in Rafah.

US demands clarifications from Israel on Rafah op.

Biden Administration demands answers as IDF begins preparations for evacuation of civilians from parts of Rafah ahead of operation.

Negotiations ongoing

Israeli source: If Hamas agrees to deal, Rafah evacuation ends

Evacuation of Rafah pressures Hamas to agree to proposed prisoner swap deal, Israel will end evacuation if Hamas caves, diplomatic source says.

Gallant to Austin:

'Military action is required in Rafah - no other alternative'

Minister Gallant briefed US counterpart on the attack by Hamas, in which approximately 10 projectiles were fired from the area adjacent to the Rafah Crossing toward the area of the Kerem Shalom humanitarian crossing.

IDF expands humanitarian area to accommodate Rafah residents

Amid surge of humanitarian aid entering Gaza, IDF encouraging residents of eastern Rafah to advance towards expanded humanitarian area.

In conversation with Gallant:

Austin expresses condolences for soldiers killed by mortars

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reaffirms "commitment to the unconditional return of all hostages".

4 killed in rocket barrage near Gaza border crossing

Ten rockets and mortars were fired from Rafah on the Kerem Shalom crossing, wounding seven. Just moments before, about thirty rockets were fired from Lebanon. A 65-year-old man was lightly injured.

'Let us look you in the eyes'

Police block bereaved families from reaching PM's Office

The Gvura Forum of bereaved families asked PM Netanyahu to allow them to meet with the cabinet to ensure the government would not surrender to Hamas and that the war would continue.

Ben Gvir's message to Netanyahu

Minister of National Security: Netanyahu promised not to agree to a reckless deal and say yes to an operation in Rafah - he knows very well the price of not fulfilling the commitment.

Operation imminent?

Israel briefs US on plan to move Gazans from Rafah

Sources tell Politico the IDF has informed aid groups and the Biden administration of a plan to begin removing Gazans from Rafah ahead of an invasion.

Arab reports: Egypt extracted promise to delay Rafah operation

While Hamas' response to the Egyptian-proposed ceasefire-prisoner swap deal will almost certainly be negative, Israel has promised to delay an operation in Rafah, sources say.

Blinken on Netanyahu:

'People say things, let's focus on what they're doing'

US Sec. of State Antony Blinken answers questions on Israel-Hamas war, urges focus on PM Benjamin Netanyahu's actions, instead of on his promises to invade Rafah.

Report

Saudis warned Israel: Rafah op will harm chances of normalization

A source in the Saudi royal family said that Israel must make sacrifices for peace to create a regional alliance with the Arab nations and that there will be no normalization without a Palestinian state.

Netanyahu's place in history is tied to a Rafah invasion

Will Netanyahu make the decision that puts Israel on the road to destruction or the one that gives it hope for the future? Opinion.

Austin:

'Operation in Rafah needs credible plan to evacuate civilians'

US Defense Secretary speaks to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, stresses US position on a possible Israeli operation in Rafah.

Blinken:

'The deal is there, Hamas should take it'

Secretary of State speaks to reporters, reiterates position about Rafah operation: We cannot, will not support a major military operation in Rafah absent an effective plan to make sure that civilians are not harmed.

Gallant to Blinken:

'Determined to bring back the hostages, ready to go into Rafah'

The Defense Minister and US Secretary of State toured Kibbutz Nir Oz and the Kerem Shalom Crossing and discussed the hostage negotiations and humanitarian aid efforts.

Netanyahu to Blinken:

'We will not accept a deal that ends war'

Secretary of State Antony Blinken made to the Prime Minister clear that the US objects to an operation without an executable plan to protect the civilian population and evacuate civilians.

Israel, have faith, ignore the world - and walk into the water!

We are living our modern Exodus story. We have to be like Nachshon and step into the waters of the Red Sea. Op-ed.

‘Enter Rafah Now’

Military expert encourages Rafah operation

Avigdor Kahalani, former IDF commander and leading military expert, criticized fighting in Gaza, saying, ‘We should have finished with Rafah a long time ago.’

Abbas spokesman:

'Israel must be punished for crimes in Gaza'

Nabil Abu Rudeineh blames US for Netanyahu's continued determination to demolish the last of Hamas's military power in Rafah, demands international action to prevent op.

Netanyahu on ICC investigation:

'Historic outrage and antisemitic hate crime'

PM says Israel will complete its objectives in the war regardless of international pressure, ICC has 'no jurisdiction' over Israel.

Poll:

72% of Americans back Israeli operation in Gaza

New Harvard-Harris poll shows US voters continue to support Israel against Hamas despite widespread college protests, administration opposition to Rafah op.

PM to bereaved families:

We will enter Rafah - with or without a deal

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks to representatives of bereaved families, hostages' families, at the Heroism and Hope Forum, promises: 'We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there – with or without a deal.'

Report:

Netanyahu decided twice to delay Rafah operation

PM Netanyahu delayed Rafah operation in order to allow time for prisoner swap deal, report says.

CNN:

"Netanyahu needs no urging to invade Rafah'

Journalist Amit Segal explains how the most politically sound move for Netanyahu is to ensure victory over Hamas.

White House:

'Biden reiterated his clear position on Rafah incursion'

Following Biden-Netanyahu phone call, White House says Biden "reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel’s security" and stressed the need for progress in delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israeli official clarifies:

'The preparations for entering Rafah are continuing'

Israeli diplomatic official responds to criticism over latest Egyptian ceasefire proposal: In any deal, if there is one, Israel will not give up the goals of the war.

Minister Gantz's red line

Deal for returning the hostages without ending the war

Minister Gantz warns: ‘If the ministers who led the government on Oct. 7 prevent a responsible deal that does not involve ending the war, the government will have no right to exist’

Hostages' families:

A deal without invading Rafah is surrender to Hamas

Members of the Tikva Forum criticized the latest plan for the release of kidnapped victims. 'Hamas is playing us - and apparently successfully.'

Report:

Egypt tells Hamas Rafah operation will be legitimate without deal

US, Egypt reportedly upping pressure on Hamas to accept hostage deal in order to prevent an Israeli operation in Rafah.

Former Mossad director: 'Bad' deal - but it's good

Former Mossad director Yossi Cohen has previously stated that a deal should only be made if all hostages are released. Tonight he claimed, 'It needs to be done, and better sooner than later.'

Israel to Egypt:

'One last chance for hostage deal before Rafah invasion'

Axios reports that Israeli officials told their Egyptian counterparts that Israel is ready to give hostage negotiations "one last chance" to reach a deal with Hamas, but if there isn't progress soon it will move forward with a ground invasion of Rafah.

Egypt to Israel:

Freeze Rafah operation - in exchange for renewing hostage talks

New report: Egypt proposes one-year ceasefire in exchange for cessation of attacks on Israel - as precondition for restarting hostage talks.

PA to Biden:

'Prevent an operation in Rafah'

PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas' spokesman accuses the US administration of complicity in Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.

Rafah op. getting closer?

IDF Chief of Staff and ISA Chief visit Cairo

An Israeli source told Reuters that the IDF is prepared to begin operations in Rafah and is waiting for the green light from the political echelon.

IDF preparing for Rafah operation in the near future

Evacuation of Rafah population expected to last three weeks - unless Hamas prevents it, report says. Rafah ground operation expected to last six weeks.

Report:

Egypt updated on Israel's plans for Rafah operation

According to Egyptian officials, Israel intends to send troops to Rafah gradually and to concentrate on areas where the defense establishment believes Hamas leaders are hiding.

Special Interview

Amb. Friedman: There is a path forward - full Israeli sovereignty

Former US ambassador to Israel David Friedman analyzes the course of the war and the hopes for the future of the Middle East in a special interview with Arutz Sheva - Israel National News.

Report:

Israel making progress on preparation for Rafah evacuation

Israeli official tells ABC News Israel has made significant progress in preparations for the evacuation of around one million civilians from the Gazan city of Rafah ahead of a military operation in the city.

White House:

'Israel agreed to take our concerns on Rafah into account'

US and Israeli officials discuss possible Israeli operation in the Gazan city of Rafah. White House: US participants expressed concerns with various courses of action in Rafah, Israeli participants agreed to take these concerns into account.

Battalion commander to troops:

'We're going to Rafah and we'll give it to them'

Commander of the 932nd Battalion Lt. Col. Dotan addressed his men after a targeted raid in the central Gaza Strip and assured them that just as they operated in the areas, they will operate in Rafah as well.

Biden's blooper:

'I expressly warned Israel not to attack Haifa'

US President Joe Biden appears to have mixed up the names of Haifa - a city in northern Israel - and Rafah - the southernmost city in Gaza.

Egyptian sources: US agreed to Israel's plan for Rafah operation

Egyptian military on high alert along Gaza-Egypt border, IDF preparing for Rafah ground operation, source says.

Gallant holds discussion ahead of Rafah operation

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant holds discussion ahead of the ground entry of IDF forces into the Gazan city of Rafah.

Report:

Rafah op. delayed from this week after Iranian attack

CNN reports Israel was to begin dropping warning leaflets on Rafah today, held off due to focus shifting to Iran retaliation.

Hostage's uncle:

We can bring the hostages home by stopping all negotiations’

Uncle of Avinatan Or, held hostage by Hamas in Gaza: ‘The negotiations are aimed at restoring Hamas rule in Gaza. The hostages held by local clans will be released only when they understand that we are the sovereign.’

Report:

Israel may enter Rafah earlier than planned

A security source warned that Hamas's refusal to accept a hostage deal is moving an Israeli offensive in Rafah closer 'by giant steps.'

Report:

Netanyahu has decided to postpone the operation in Rafah

TV report: A week after the Prime Minister announced that "there is a date" for the operation in Rafah, he has decided to postpone the operation.

Hundreds outside PM's house:

'Only pressure on Hamas will bring back the hostages'

Protesters, including hostages' families and bereaved families, called for the intensification of the war against Hamas and for the IDF to enter Rafah.

Rafah

IDF eliminates top Hamas financier

Nasser Yakob Jabber Nasser was responsible for funding a significant part of Hamas' military activities in Rafah. Last December, he transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to Hamas for its military activities.

Netanyahu:

'No force on Earth can stop us from defeating Hamas'

PM meets new IDF recruits, says Israel will destroy the last Hamas battalions in Rafah regardless of any international pressure not to do so.

Proposal:

Condition negotiations on US commitment to support Rafah op.

Diplomatic-Security Cabinet to discuss proposal which would condition progress in hostage deal negotiations on a US commitment to support Israel's operation in Rafah.

Likud MK:

'Netanyahu must keep his promise and destroy Hamas'

MK Nissim Vaturi says that he will demand answers to the hard questions Israelis are asking about the IDF decision to remove a large number of troops from Gaza.