Aviva Fried (US correspondent) / Photo credits: CELAL GUNES / ANADOLU VIA AFP / MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP
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7:23 a.m., May 7, 2024
While Hamas has said it has accepted a truce deal in the Gaza conflict, it “falls far short of meeting Israel’s demands”, according to the Israeli war cabinet. The operation in Rafah desired by Benjamin Netanyahu seems imminent, to the great dismay of the United States which opposes it. On the phone this Sunday, Joe Biden once again warned the Israeli Prime Minister.
Confusion in the Middle East over a possible agreement that Hamas says it has accepted. Israel seems more determined than ever to intervene in Rafah. And this, while the Americans say they are opposed to such an operation. What Joe Biden said again to Benyamin Netanyahu during a telephone conversation on Sunday. Joe Biden’s phone call to the Israeli Prime Minister took place before Hamas’ statements. The American president wanted, once again, to warn Benyamin Netanyahu.
“The president was very direct: we do not want a large-scale operation in Rafah that would further endanger the million people who are taking refuge there,” reported John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council. .
American ambiguity
But barely had Joe Biden hung up when the Israeli army asked some of the residents of Rafah to evacuate. So, the White House is playing on a certain ambiguity, by talking about its opposition to a large-scale operation, which is not the same thing as opposition to any operation. But it is still a snub for the American president, who cannot reason with his Israeli ally. Even if the official position remains the same.
“Our support for Israel’s security remains unwavering.” Support that could cost Joe Biden dearly. While the United States is still trying to negotiate an agreement, pro-Palestinian protests continue on campus… putting the re-election of the American president in jeopardy.