Netanyahu stands firm amidst Biden’s aid threat to Israel over Rafah invasion

In response to President Joe Biden’s threat to halt military aid to Israel if it invades the Gaza Strip city of Rafah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a video of a previous speech in which he declared that Israel would not yield to international pressure during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The footage was posted online shortly after Biden confirmed that the US would withhold weapons from Israel if it proceeded with a major invasion of Rafah, which Biden stated would breach historical norms for dealing with the city. Biden’s announcement represents a significant shift in the seven-month-long war, as Biden has previously provided Israel with extensive support amidst calls from his own party to reduce military aid. Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir expressed his disapproval of Biden’s stance on social media, suggesting that Hamas supports Biden’s position. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant pledged that Israel would continue its objectives and neutralize Hamas and Hezbollah, regardless of whether Israel’s allies or adversaries approve. Last week, the administration temporarily suspended a transfer of thousands of bombs due to concerns about the potential damage caused by deploying them in Rafah. The US is currently evaluating some imminent security assistance deliverances in light of the evolving situation in Rafah.