From the Liveblog of
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Netanyahu: ‘We will do what we must in order to win, including in Rafah’
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Speaking at a memorial ceremony for fallen members of the Etzel paramilitary organization in Jaffa, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again promises to operate in Rafah against Hamas.
“We will do what we must in order to win and to triumph over out enemies,” says Netanyahu in prepared remarks, “including in Rafah.”
Perhaps hinting at cabinet debates over the right response to the Iranian attack on Israel last month, Netanyahu says “there were and there are disagreements among us over operations in distant and close theaters.”
“But at the end of the debate, I made a decision, and the decision was received,” he continues. “We operate there, and we will operate here as well.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated US opposition to an operation in Rafah during his visit yesterday.
Turning to Israel’s allies, Netanyahu says Israel is grateful to them.
“But to our good friends, I say: decisions on issues that concern our existence – we make ourselves responsibly and carefully. We will do everything to continue to protect our country.”
Netanyahu is slated to head meetings of the war cabinet and the national security cabinet this evening.
The Times of Israel Community.