According to a report from BBC News on May 10, 2024, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has stated that Israel is capable of "standing alone" in the event that the United States halts arms shipments. This statement came in response to warnings from the US that it might suspend arms supplies if Netanyahu ordered a full-scale invasion of Rafah in Gaza.
Netanyahu expressed his determination by saying, "If we need to...we will stand alone. I have said that if necessary we will fight with our fingernails." President Joe Biden had previously indicated that the US would withhold certain arms, including artillery shells, if an invasion of Rafah were to occur. The US had already paused a shipment of bombs due to concerns about civilian casualties.
Netanyahu sought to dismiss the US warnings by citing Israel's past experiences, specifically referencing the War of Independence in 1948. He emphasized that Israel emerged victorious despite facing an arms embargo and lacking weapons, relying instead on the strength of spirit, heroism, and unity among its people.
Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, echoed Netanyahu's sentiment, stating that Israel cannot be subdued and will remain strong in the face of both enemies and allies. The comments were made as thousands of people fled Rafah amid continuous bombardment, and Israeli tanks amassed near populated areas. The UN expressed concern over the lack of aid reaching the city, with food and fuel running out for the more than one million people seeking shelter there.
The Israeli forces claimed to be conducting targeted raids against remaining Hamas elements in Rafah but did not rule out the possibility of a full-scale invasion. President Biden warned that he would not supply Israel with the munitions for such an invasion, as he believed it would not achieve the goal of defeating Hamas.
The report also mentioned recent airstrikes and casualties in Rafah, as well as fading hopes for a peace deal as both Israeli and Hamas delegations left talks in Cairo. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for seven months, resulting in a significant loss of lives and hostages being taken. Israel reported that 128 hostages remained unaccounted for, with 36 presumed dead.
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