The battle for Rafah: Israel’s isolation and Netanyahu’s relentless plan

Written by – Elijah J. Magnier:

In the West, Israel’s isolation and hostility have reached unprecedented levels, with prominent voices in the US Congress, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, advocating the dismantling of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. But this has not affected Netanyahu’s strategy of using humanitarian aid for Gaza’s two and a half million people as a controversial ceasefire bargaining chip in defiance of international norms. Despite Netanyahu’s unwavering determination to annex Gaza outright and President Joe Biden’s explicit objections to an attack on Rafah, the White House continues to pledge its steadfast support to Israel with the necessary military supplies despite continued US condemnation. So, what is holding up the Israeli Rafah offensive? Is Netanyahu sticking to his guns in the face of widespread European, American and Arab disapproval to take this last border town with Egypt?

On more than three occasions, Netanyahu has expressed his approval of the Israeli occupation forces’ plan to occupy Rafah. But he seems reluctant to order his military to complete the occupation of Rafah, lacking the necessary capabilities, supplies and strategic groundwork for such a monumental undertaking. Success depends on several factors that are currently lacking: a military force that is not only fully prepared and battle-hardened but also capable of dealing with the complexities posed by one and a half million internally displaced civilians within Rafah who have sought refuge in the midst of the conflict from all corners of Gaza, complicating troop movements. The Israeli military’s operational mandate – to manoeuvre and wreak havoc in the north, centre and south of the country – is being compromised without the provision of alternative accommodation for displaced Palestinians outside the conflict zones. Consequently, there’s an urgent need for a safe zone in the central and northern areas to allow for further internal displacement of Palestinians, especially as Egypt remains steadfast in its refusal to open its borders to the displaced, avoiding a second Nakba. This strategic consideration is crucial to pave the way for Israeli military operations inside the city.