Netanyahu Stood Firm Against Biden Over Rafah Invasion

Israeli Prime Minister affirms independence amidst U.S. threats over military strategy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that he stood up to President Joe Biden’s warnings against Israel’s military incursion into Rafah. According to Israeli outlet Channel 14, Biden threatened that the U.S. would abandon Israel if it proceeded with the invasion, prompting Netanyahu’s resolute response: “We will do it alone.”

Netanyahu shared details of the tense exchange during a secret meeting with government officials. “Biden called me and said: Prime Minister Netanyahu you will be left alone,” he recalled. Netanyahu’s reply was unflinching: “We will fight with our hands and nails.”

Two days after the exchange, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly warned Netanyahu that Israel would not receive additional weapons from the U.S. if it invaded Rafah. Despite these threats, Israel pressed ahead, achieving significant strategic victories, including the elimination of key Hamas leaders such as former leader Yahya Sinwar.

Netanyahu dismissed American estimates of catastrophic casualties, stating, “The Americans estimated that 20,000 people would be killed in Rafah, it turned out to be a total disaster.” The Israeli incursion proved otherwise, marking a critical success in its broader campaign against Hamas.

Netanyahu recently celebrated Donald Trump’s reelection, calling it “history’s greatest comeback.” He highlighted the strong alliance between Israel and the U.S. as an opportunity for renewed collaboration. Trump’s pro-Israel cabinet appointments, such as Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel and Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, signal a bolstered partnership.

Netanyahu also indicated that Israel’s stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions will likely shift under the incoming Trump administration, emphasizing a potential reassessment of strategies to counter Tehran.

Netanyahu’s defiance of U.S. threats underscores Israel’s commitment to its national security and sovereignty. By prioritizing the safety of its citizens and countering Hamas aggression, Israel has demonstrated that it is willing to act independently when necessary, even under the shadow of strained alliances.

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