Despite U.S. warnings, Netanyahu doubles down on invading Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday indicated he would move forward with an operation against Rafah, a critical border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt to which many refugees have fled amid the Israeli invasion.

The Israeli government and the Biden administration have openly feuded over plans to assault the city, with Netanyahu indicating he would ignore Washington's "red line" on doing so.

"The idea that we will halt the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question. We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there – with or without a deal, in order to achieve the total victory," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Israel invaded the Gaza Strip in response to an Oct. 7 Hamas raid in a bid to oust the group from power, though Jerusalem has faced international outcry over its tactics in the densely populated area and the reported civilian death toll.

Earlier this month, Netanyahu confirmed that a date had been set for the Israel Defense Forces to enter the city amid hostage negotiations with Hamas.

His handling of the matter has prompted considerable scrutiny from high-ranking Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who in March urged the country to hold elections.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.