Rafah stands between Netanyahu and his “total victory”.

Written by – Elijah J. Magnier:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the public to explain his stance on not ceasing hostilities until ‘total victory’ has been achieved, amid active discussions in Egypt to begin negotiations on a long or permanent ceasefire, including the exchange of prisoners and the reconstruction of Gaza. These negotiations were met with optimistic reservations from the US administration, which dispatched CIA director William Barns, outright rejection from Israel and a willingness to build on them from Qatar. In the midst of this, Netanyahu faces external pressure from US President Joe Biden, who has criticised the war for ‘crossing the line’, and internal criticism for not prioritising the release of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas. Crucially, Netanyahu’s negotiations with the Palestinians are taking place under duress as the war continues, and at the same time Israel is working with Egypt and Qatar to bridge the gap between Hamas and Tel Aviv, aiming for a ceasefire solution, albeit without ending the conflict altogether. Netanyahu has made no secret of his preparations to evacuate the Palestinian civilians from Rafah, signalling a military operation that is likely to raise international concern.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s inability to end the war is intertwined with the threat it poses to his political career. He also faces the challenge of meeting Hamas’ demands for the release of prisoners serving life sentences or longer, as outlined in the first of three packages proposed by Hamas. This first response came in response to Israel’s offer of a ceasefire in exchange for captured soldiers. Israel’s stance against these demands is crucial to maintaining its image of strength against opposition forces eager to challenge the prime minister and his far-right government. The administration’s inability to achieve its primary goals has not only diminished America’s global standing, but has also generated unprecedented disapproval of Israel. This is particularly true of the military’s actions in Gaza, which, despite causing significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction, have only weakened Hamas, not eliminated it, according to Western intelligence assessments.

Netanyahu’s strategy appears to be based on a willingness to accept the potential loss of 136 Israeli prisoners rather than meet Hamas’ demands. He has articulated a clear position with three key points: rejecting a comprehensive ceasefire, refusing to release Palestinian prisoners involved in attacks that resulted in the killing of Israelis, and insisting on continuing military operations until Hamas is dismantled. Netanyahu also doesn’t see any connection between the war on Gaza and Hamas’s demand to end settler pressure on residents and worshippers in Jerusalem.