Benjamin Netanyahu recently referenced a speech he gave at a Holocaust Remembrance Day event in Jerusalem, in which he emphasized Israel’s determination to defend itself against enemies. This came in response to President Joe Biden’s ultimatum regarding U.S. military aid and the potential consequences of a full ground invasion in Rafah, a city in Gaza.
Netanyahu did not provide a new statement immediately after Biden’s announcement, but Israeli forces have issued an evacuation order in parts of Rafah and begun limited ground operations there. The U.S. and other countries have expressed concerns about civilian casualties and the destruction of humanitarian aid infrastructure in the area if a full ground invasion were to occur.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized Biden’s stance on the conflict, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated Israel’s commitment to achieving its goals and ensuring security in the region.
The U.S. has paused weapons transfers to Israel, with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stating that the administration is reviewing security assistance shipments in light of the situation in Rafah.
