Security cabinet said to approve measured expansion of Rafah op, risking clash with Biden

The security cabinet voted last night to approve the expansion of the IDF’s operation in Rafah, Hebrew media reports.

The expansion is deemed as measured in what Israel hopes will not cross the line into what the US deems as a “major operation.”

US President Joe Biden warned earlier this week that he would halt certain offensive weapons shipments to Israel if it entered into the population centers of Rafah due to concerns over the one million-plus civilians sheltering there.

The Axios news site cites two sources who say the expansion will be limited enough so as to not upset the Biden administration, while a third source warns the moves could be interpreted by the US as a step too far.

The security cabinet also voted to instruct Israel’s hostage negotiating team to continue its efforts to try and reach a hostage deal by putting together a new proposal in the hopes of reaching a breakthrough, Axios reports.

Far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich voted against the decision but were outnumbered.

An Israeli official confirms to The Times of Israel that the security cabinet approved the continuation of the IDF’s operation in Rafah but doesn’t elaborate.