Rafiah

Netanyahu:

'There's a date set for Rafah operation'

PM says victory over Hamas and return of hostages requires a military operation in Rafah amid reports of progress in ceasefire talks.

Smotrich to Netanyahu:

'Only the cabinet has the authority to make decisions in war'

Finance Minister sent a letter to the Prime Minister calling on him to meet with the expanded Security Cabinet to discuss the current situation of the war.

Following troop withdrawal

Government's right flank threatens Netanyahu

National Security Minister Ben-Gvir says the Prime Minister would lose his mandate to rule if he did not attack Rafah. Minister Smotrich calls urgent party meeting to show displeasure with troop withdrawal and ceasefire proposal.

Diplomatic sources predict:

Rafah operation to begin only after talks with US end

According to diplomatic sources, a ground offensive in the southern city would depend on talks for a hostage deal. They say the US is applying enough pressure to reach one.

Despite admin's opposition

Majority of US Jews support Rafah operation

A poll by JPPI found that American Jews are in consensus about the need for Israel to operate in Rafah. A majority also says Senator Chuck Schumer had no place to call for elections in Israel.

Report:

US promised Egypt: No Rafah op before mid-May

Reports say Israel promised not to conduct Rafah ground operation before May, has changed its position on number, identities, of terrorists to be released in prisoner swap.

Report:

US lambasts Israel's Rafah evacuation plan

Jake Sullivan, Antony Blinken reject, harshly criticize Israeli proposals for Rafah operation in 2-hour phone call with Israeli officials, demand 'day-after' plan to maintain US support.

'Constructive engagement'

US and Israeli officials discuss Rafah operation

Monday’s meeting was initially supposed to take place in person last week, but Netanyahu cancelled it after the US did not veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

Smotrich:

'Invade Rafah with or without American consent'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claims that invading Rafah must be done regardless of US support.

MK Halevi to Arutz Sheva:

'We want go into Rafah to save Washington'

MK Amit Halevi says the US must respect Israel's sovereignty and not force it to refrain from entering Rafah.

Report:

US, Israeli officials to meet virtually and discuss Rafah

The meeting was supposed to take place in person last week, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled it after the US did not veto a UN Security Council resolution on Gaza.

Report:

US quietly authorized bombs and fighter jets to Israel

Washington Post report: Biden administration in recent days quietly authorized the transfer of billions of dollars in bombs and fighter jets to Israel, despite tensions over possible Rafah operation.

PM to Sen. Rick Scott:

'Canceling Washington delegation was to send message to Hamas'

Netanyahu meets US Senator Rick Scott in Jerusalem, thanks Senator for his support for Israel and explains why a planned delegation to the US was canceled following this week's Security Council resolution.

Austin to Gallant:

No to Rafah operation without ensuring civilians' safety

Pentagon Press Secretary summarizes meeting between Austin and Gallant: The Secretary stressed that the United States and Israel have a moral imperative and a shared strategic interest in safeguarding civilians.

Blinken to Gallant:

'Alternatives exist to a ground invasion of Rafah'

US Secretary of State meets Defense Minister Gallant, reiterates US opposition to a major ground operation in Rafah.

Prime Minister's Office:

'USA changed position, no delegation to Washington'

Prime Minister Netanyahu has canceled an Israeli delegation to Washington to discuss the operation in Rafah due to the American refusal to veto a resolution in the UN Security Council.

Netanyahu to Americans:

'Veto resolution or I cancel Israeli delegation'

Prime Minister Netanyahu threatened to withdraw the delegation to Washington to discuss the upcoming operation in Rafah is the USA does not veto a UN resolution that does not call for the release of the hostages.

Macron to Netanyahu:

'Transfer of people from Rafah would be a war crime'

French President speaks to Netanyahu, expresses his opposition to an Israeli operation in the Gazan city of Rafah.

Outrageous:

Leftists erect Gaza solidarity encampment

Amid the war in Gaza, far-left activists erected a mock-up of the displaced persons' camp in Rafah to show solidarity with Gazans.

Kamala Harris won't rule out 'consequences' for Rafah op.

US has 'got to continue to enforce' priorities in Gaza war, won't rule out 'consequences' if Israel goes ahead with Rafah operation.

Blinken’s Rafah blunder

The U.S. secretary of state’s warnings to Israel are music to Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s ears. Opinion.

John Kirby:

'An Israeli operation in Rafah would be a disaster'

White House spokesperson John Kirby says US will share with Israeli officials alternatives for eliminating Hamas in Gaza without a ground offensive in Rafah.

After Israel visit:

Blinken again warns against Rafah operation

Secretary of State speaks to reporters after meeting Netanyahu: We share Israel’s goal of defeating Hamas, but a major military ground operation in Rafah is not the way to do it.

Ambassador Erdan:

'Hold Hamas accountable!'

Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan spoke after the vote on a call for a ceasefire in the Security Council this morning, demanding that the world hold Hamas accountable for its part in the collateral damage in Gaza.

Ron Dermer:

'Israel will defeat Hamas even if US turns its back'

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer says in podcast interview that Israel must go into Rafah to crush the last of Hamas's' military strength even if the world and the US opposes this.

Senior Hamas terrorists eliminated in Rafah

IDF, ISA, eliminate senior Hamas operatives who played key roles in establishing Hamas' control in the field, operations in humanitarian zones in Gaza.

Biden:

'Target Hamas without major operation in Rafah'

US President says he asked Netanyahu to send a team to Washington to discuss ways to target Hamas without a major ground operation in Rafah.

Trudeau to Gantz:

'Concerned over Israeli operation in Rafah'

Canadian Prime Minister speaks to Minister Benny Gantz, condemns Hamas but also shares his concern around Israel’s planned offensive in the Gaza city of Rafah.

US officials:

'Evacuation of Rafah will take weeks, if not longer'

US officials explain that Israel needs to 'flood' humanitarian aid to the areas where civilains will be evacuated and construct temporary shelters.

Blinken:

'We have yet to see Israel's plan for Rafah'

US Secretary of State Antony says Israeli plan needs to ensure civilians in Rafah are appropriately cared for once they are out of harm's way.

Netanyahu approves plan for Rafah

The Prime Minister has approved the plan of action for Rafah. The IDF is preparing for operational action and to evacuate the populace.

Report:

IDF to launch limited rescue operations in Rafah

Lebanese newspaper reports Israel has informed Egypt and received US approval for 'pinpoint' operations in Rafah to rescue hostages.

Bennett To CNN:

'US lost 2400 at Pearl Harbor and killed 3 million'

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett defends the ongoing war in Gaza during an interview with Erin Burnett.

Report:

US will only support 'small-scale' Rafah operation

Politico report: Senior US officials have told their Israeli counterparts the Biden administration would support a Rafah operation as long as Israel avoids a large-scale invasion.

Watch:

Precise strike takes out Hamas commander in Rafah

Muhammad Abu Hasna was a combat support operative in Hamas’ military wing. He was also involved in taking control of humanitarian aid and distributing it to Hamas terrorists.

A hint to Rafah?

Gallant: 'We will reach every necessary location'

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited the Gazan coast and observed the work carried out in preparation for the maritime aid corridor.

MK Danny Danon:

Time to go into Rafah and finish the job with Hamas

'We will go all the way until Hamas is eradicated. Many terrorists found a safe place in Rafah, we have no other option,' MK Danny Danon tells Arutz Sheva.

White House walks back Biden's comments on Israel

National Security Adviser asked about Biden's comments that a Rafah operation would be a red line: The President didn't make any declarations or pronouncements.

Report:

Biden could condition aid if Israel invades Rafah

Four US officials tell Politico President Biden will consider conditioning military aid to Israel if the country moves forward with a large-scale invasion of Rafah.

Netanyahu:

We can't leave 1/4 of the Hamas terror army in place

PM Netanyahu says 'victory is at hand,' adds that without Rafah operation, 'Hamas will reconstitute itself with these four battalions, reconquer Gaza.'

Hostages' families:

'Stop negotiations, enter Rafah now'

Tikva Forum, an organization representing families of hostages, says Hamas toying with Israel and the loved ones of the hostages in the negotiations.

Foreign Minister Katz:

'USA supports war goals'

Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that despite criticism, the US still supports the war in Gaza, and its alliance with Israel will carry on.

Highest tower in Rafah attacked

IDF carries out precise attack against Hamas military site in Rafah; reports say that the tower was used to plan terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF forces.

Olmert:

'Don't go into Rafah, Hamas already defeated'

Former PM says Israel should focus on returning the hostages over all else and declare victory now without removing Hamas from power in Rafah.

Netanyahu:

'We'll operate in Rafah, last stronghold of Hamas'

PM says at officer's course graduation ceremony that anyone who tells Israel not to go into Rafah is telling Israel to lose the war.

Report:

Biden weighing ways to prevent attack on Rafah

No decisions yet as Biden administration considers placing conditions on Israel's use of US weapons.

Blinken to Gantz:

'Humanitarian plan needed before operation in Rafah'

Minister Benny Gantz meets US Secretary of State in Washington. State Department: The Secretary underscored the importance of reaching an agreement to achieve the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Gantz to US officials:

Ending war without Rafah op unacceptable to Israel

'Ending the war without clearing out Rafah is like sending a firefighter to extinguish 80% of the fire,' Minister Benny Gantz tells National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

Security officials warn against 'dithering' in Gaza

Israeli forces are more exposed to attack if they are not actively executing any operations, and the ground offensive is being unnecessarily drawn out.

IDF targets Islamic Jihad in Rafah

IDF conducts precision strike against Islamic Jihad terrorists in Rafah, no damage caused to hospital.

Gallant:

'Hamas tunnels networks turned into traps for them'

Defense Minister tours northern Gaza, says IDF ready to act in Rafah at a time of Israel's choosing.

PM to CBS News:

'Entering Rafah to achieve total victory over Hamas'

PM Netanyahu to CBS News: 'We’re going to enter Rafah. We will win this war and we will not stop until we achieve victory.'

Report: Israel to present Egypt with Rafah plan

Israel ramping up dialogue with Egypt to prevent tensions over future Rafah operation.

Netanyahu: We will approve plans for Rafah operation

PM Netanyahu says Cabinet will meet to approve plans for Rafah operation, evacuation of Gaza civilians.

Egypt warns:

Attack on Rafah in Ramadan endangers entire region

Senior Egyptian source warns that continued warfare during Ramadan may cause attacks on Western interests in the area.

Over Rafah operation

UK to consider suspending arms exports to Israel

The Guardian reports that, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened, diplomatic pressure has been mounting on the UK to suspend arms exports to Israel.

Military operation in Rafah to endanger hostages?

Min. Miki Zohar admits Rafah ground operation will endanger hostages, but says it is the only way to bring all of them home.

US resolution:

Temporary Gaza ceasefire, opposition to Rafah op.

US proposes alternative draft Security Council resolution calling for temporary ceasefire and opposing Israeli ground offensive in Rafah.

Report:

Floating jetty may solve problem of Gaza aid

Israeli sources tell Reuters that floating jetty would allow international aid; high-intensity fighting in Gaza may last for another two months.

ICJ rejects request to prevent operation in Rafah

International Court of Justice rules on South Africa’s request to consider whether Israel operations in Rafah breach the orders the court handed down last month.