Netanyahu Greenlights Rafah Offensive, Rejects ‘Still Absurd’ Hamas Ceasefire Plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued formal approval for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to go into Rafah while announcing the rejection of the “still absurd” Hamas demands which were presented this week in ceasefire talks.

“The IDF is prepared for the operation and to evacuate the [civilian] population,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement. “He also approves an IDF plan of operation to enter the southern Gaza city of Rafah,” the PM’s office affirmed to the Times of Israel.

Axios’ Barak Ravid has reported that Hamas presented its plan Thursday, which lays out a first phase of a six week ceasefire that includes the release of about 40 Israeli hostages, but Israel would have to free some 400 Palestinian prisoners, among these many who have killed Israelis.

Crucially, the Hamas proposal has also included the “return of displaced Palestinians to their homes and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.”

Israel has repeatedly said that the demand to withdraw all Israeli forces from the Strip remains a non-starter, given also Netanyahu has vowed to not halt the military operation until Hamas is eradicated.

Netanyahu had initially stated Thursday: “Hamas continues with its preposterous demands. The war cabinet will be updated tomorrow.”

Given the IDF ground offensive on Rafah looks to imminently proceed (though Israeli officials last month had initially offered a start date of March 10, which has come and gone), Israel still has a problem concerning the increasing condemnations coming out of Washington.

On Thursday Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, who was prior to this week seen as someone staunchly in Netanyahu’s corner, in a blistering speech called the Israeli PM a “pariah” and said he has “lost his way”. 

As we detailed earlier, the surprise rebuke followed on the heels of an annual “threat assessment” compiled by US intelligence agencies, which was released Monday and questioned Netanyahu’s hold on power. Below is what it said:

“Netanyahu’s viability as leader as well as his governing coalition of far-right and ultraorthodox parties that pursued hardline policies on Palestinian and security issues may be in jeopardy.”

It continues, “Distrust of Netanyahu’s ability to rule has deepened and broadened across the public from its already high levels before the war, and we expect large protests demanding his resignation and new elections. A different, more moderate government is a possibility.”

According to Axios, Israel has been making some limited strides to try and calm US concerns over the humanitarian situation and the soaring death toll. 

“Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant signed on Thursday a letter to the Biden administration assuring Israel will use U.S. weapons according to international law and allow U.S.-supported humanitarian aid into Gaza, two Israeli and U.S. officials told Axios,” the report indicated.