by Giuseppe Gagliano –
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready to defend itself in response to US threats to stop arms deliveries if Israel goes ahead with an attack on Rafah, southern Gaza. Netanyahu made these statements after the failure of cease-fire talks in Cairo between Israeli delegations and Hamas.
The prime minister confirmed Israel’s determination, recalling the 1948 arms embargo and the bravery shown to achieve independence. Despite the tension, he expressed hope to overcome differences with the United States, emphasizing the importance of national defense.
US President Joe Biden has warned that a major offensive on Rafah could lead to a halt in the supply of bombs and artillery shells. However, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israel had enough weapons for the planned missions.
The situation in Rafah is critical, with more than a million Palestinians at risk and shortages of essential supplies. The United States continues to advise targeted action to avoid further escalation and humanitarian crisis, but so far nearly 35,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed.
Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will do whatever is necessary to defend its country, while tensions with the United States remain high. The humanitarian situation in Rafah and the future of Israeli-American relations will depend on the next movements on the ground.
