From the Liveblog of
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Netanyahu: IDF plans for Rafah operation to be brought to cabinet for approval next week
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the cabinet will convene next week to approve the IDF’s plans for Rafah, including the evacuation of civilians from the area.
The move comes amid ongoing hostage negotiations with Hamas.
“We are working to reach another framework for the release of our hostages, as well as the completion of the elimination of the Hamas battalions in Rafah,” Netanyahu says.
“That is why I sent a delegation to Paris and tonight we will discuss the next steps in the negotiations,” he says.
Netanyahu adds that “only a combination of military pressure and assertive negotiations will lead to the release of our hostages, the elimination of Hamas, and the achievement of all the war’s goals.”
The Times of Israel Community.