Boaz Bismuth, an Israeli Knesset member, supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach towards operations in Rafah, emphasizing the goal as the “elimination of Hamas.”
Bismuth stressed the importance of targeting all regions within the Gaza Strip, including Rafah, to accomplish this objective. He also underscored the presence of Hamas leaders and military units in Gaza, implying that Rafah could potentially harbor hostages, warranting military intervention.
“It’s clear that if you don’t act at all in the Gaza Strip, you cannot obtain the objectives, which is… the elimination of Hamas. The aggressors are in Gaza, probably (Hamas Leader Yahya) Sinawar is in Gaza. The combat units that still can act as combat units stayed in Gaza. Probably the hostages are in Rafah,” he said in response to an ANI question.
“And that is why I have to go to Rafah because otherwise I cannot conclude the war,” the Israeli Member of Parliament said, affirming potential military operations in Rafah.
In addressing concerns about humanitarian considerations, Bismuth stressed Israel’s commitment to safeguarding civilian populations. He asserted, “Humanitarian is a very important factor in the Israeli action and the old military maneuver,” underscoring the intention to provide safe corridors for civilians before any operation commences.
Furthermore, Bismuth rebuffed assertions of initiating a war, emphasizing that Israel’s actions are in response to aggression from Gaza. He refuted claims of a premeditated conflict, stating, “We’re responding. We’re not at war.”
Responding to concerns about civilian casualties, Bismuth emphasized Israel’s commitment to humanitarian considerations, ensuring safe corridors for civilians before any operation.
Despite international scrutiny, he clarified that Israel’s actions aim to respond to aggression and protect its citizens, saying, “Humanitarian is a very important factor in the Israeli action and the old military manoeuver. And this is something I can guarantee.”
Netanyahu announced on Monday that he has scheduled the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to commence its long-awaited offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, as reported by the Times of Israel.
“Victory [over Hamas] requires entering Rafah and eliminating the terrorist battalions there. This will happen. There is a date,” Netanyahu said in a video statement, which didn’t reveal the timing of the planned operation.
The plan to launch a major offensive in Rafah has encountered staunch international opposition, particularly from the US. A recent video conference between American and Israeli officials discussing the potential IDF ground operation in Rafah was allegedly marked by strained relations and accusations. Washington expressed significant skepticism regarding Israel’s intentions to carry out operations in the southernmost city of Gaza, as reported by the Times of Israel.
In Monday’s video statement, Netanyahu asserted that there could be no victory without conducting an operation in the city.
“We are constantly working to achieve our goal,” Netanyahu said, adding, “primarily releasing all of our hostages and achieving total victory over Hamas.”