Amidst spiraling tensions and an imminent threat to its security, Israel has found itself at a crossroad, with its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting on Thursday the nation’s readiness to defend itself with every means necessary, including their “fingernails.” This staunch declaration comes in direct response to US President Joe Biden’s stark warning that could see a halt in arms supplies to Israel due to its planned operation in Gaza.
The focus of this conflict is the city of Rafah, where Israel contends that a significant number of Hamas fighters have entrenched themselves, alongside a number of hostages taken in an assault on October 7th. The area in question is besieged by over a million Palestinians displaced by war. Israel initiated the first phase of its operation earlier this week, beginning with the evacuation of some civilians and followed by limited military incursions.
Biden’s administration has expressed its inability to back a large-scale invasion of Rafah unless Israel presents a credible strategy to prevent civilian casualties. Nonetheless, Netanyahu’s government insists that a conclusive victory in the seven-month conflict hinges on taking control of Rafah. The debate escalated after Biden publicly announced the suspension of a shipment of aerial bombs to Israel on Wednesday, framing it as a caution for Israel to reconsider its strategy concerning Rafah.
In defiance, Netanyahu articulated his country’s stance, stating, “If we must stand alone, we shall stand alone. If we must, we shall fight with our fingernails.” He delivered this message in a video statement, ensuring that Israel possesses not only the will to fight but also more tangible strengths. With the support of a higher power and a collective resolve, he affirmed, Israel will achieve victory.
The Prime Minister’s sentiments were mirrored by other prominent figures in the Israeli government. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, reiterating Israel’s unwavering posture, remarked that the State of Israel cannot be defeated and will remain steadfast in its objectives. The aim, according to Gallant, is not only to counter Hamas but also to address threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon, thus ensuring national security.
Similarly, Benny Gantz, a former defence minister with centrist leanings, expressed gratitude for the unprecedented military support and resources that the US has provided to Israel in the ongoing war. Gantz underscored Israel’s obligations, both morally and in terms of national security, to persist in the fight to reclaim hostages and neutralize the Hamas threat looming over southern Israel. He also highlighted the moral and strategic responsibility of the US to furnish Israel with necessary equipment for this endeavor.
As public discourse unfolds, diplomatic efforts continue in the background, with the US attempting to facilitate negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar between Israel and Hamas. These talks aim to secure the release of hostages but have been stymied by Hamas’s insistence on ending the Gaza war. Israel is prepared to agree to a ceasefire, but no progress has been made, as evidenced by the failure to reach an agreement at the most recent discussions in Cairo. Subsequently, Israel has stated it will press on with its planned operation in Rafah.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the chief Israeli military spokesperson, assured in a briefing that the Israeli armed forces are well-equipped with adequate munitions to conduct the Rafah operation and other planned military actions.
As this intricate tapestry of warfare and diplomacy continues to unfold, the eyes of the world remain firmly fixed on the Middle East, monitoring whether the tide will turn towards an escalation of hostilities or veer back into the arduous path of peace negotiations.
