Netanyahu's Response to Biden's Arms Supply Warning

Netanyahu's Determination to Stand Alone

Following President Biden's warning earlier in the week that the US might withhold offensive weapons from Israel if its military escalates a ground offensive against Rafah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that his country is prepared to "stand alone" and "fight with fingernails" in Gaza. "If we must, we shall fight with our fingernails. But we have much more than our fingernails, and with that strength of spirit, with God’s help, together we shall be victorious," he stated. Despite warnings from Washington about insufficient civilian evacuation plans, Netanyahu is determined to proceed with the ground offensive against the southern Gaza city, where approximately 1.3 Palestinian refugees reside.

Rafah Offensive Officially Approved

In response to US concerns about the humanitarian situation in Rafah, the Israeli security cabinet has approved the "expansion of the area of ​​operation" of the Israel Defense Forces in the southern Gaza city. Netanyahu, in his recent comments, recalled how the country largely stood alone in the 1948 war that established Israel, and yet emerged victorious. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed this sentiment, stating, "We will stand strong, we will achieve our goals," and that Israel "cannot be subdued".

US Pauses Arms Shipment to Israel

The US has temporarily halted a shipment of 2,000- and 500-pound bombs to Israel, but officials maintain that there is still ample defense aid in the pipeline. The question arises whether Biden's 'threats' are merely political posturing to prevent more Democratic voters from abandoning his Gaza policy ahead of the November elections. Despite the pause, billions of dollars' worth of US weaponry remains in the pipeline for Israel, suggesting that the current pause is likely symbolic, and Israel's military will have what it needs to continue its offensive on Rafah.

Senator Bernie Sanders' Take on the Situation

Senator Bernie Sanders, in a recent CNN interview, suggested that "This may be Biden's Vietnam" which could cost him the election and tarnish his legacy. He acknowledged the president's declining popularity, even among Democrats, particularly due to his stance on the situation in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel's Security Cabinet has approved a strategy of the IDF's "measured expansion" of the Rafah operation, indicating that Israel will extend the offensive to the extent that Washington can still comfortably accept it on a public and international level.

What's Your Take?

This article raises several thought-provoking questions. What do you think about Netanyahu's determination to stand alone and Biden's arms supply warning? Do you believe the pause in arms shipment is merely symbolic? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is everyday at 6pm, to stay updated on this and other important issues.