Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defends military response in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has staunchly defended the military's response in Gaza, asserting that the United States would take even more decisive action if confronted with a similar terror attack. Netanyahu made these remarks during an appearance on "Face the Nation" on Sunday, emphasizing that in the face of such a threat, the U.S. would not hesitate to take more forceful measures. He portrayed Israel's military actions as justified and necessary in the wake of Hamas' attack on Oct. 7, which he compared to a hypothetical situation in the U.S.

International Pressure and Biden's Position

In the wake of Hamas' attack, Netanyahu's government has faced significant international pressure to cease its offensive in Gaza. The escalating death toll, approaching 30,000 according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, has intensified this pressure. Moreover, President Biden has adopted a more assertive stance towards Israel in recent weeks, attempting to strike a balance between supporting the U.S. ally and advocating for a prolonged cessation of hostilities, as well as a hostage exchange.

In response, Netanyahu has criticized Hamas' stance in negotiations, describing the group as being on "another planet." He confirmed Israel's commitment to securing the release of remaining hostages, alongside the broader goals of "destroying Hamas" and ensuring that Gaza does not pose a future threat to Israel.

Divergence between U.S. and Israeli Visions

Tensions have emerged between the Biden administration and the Israeli leadership regarding the long-term path forward. While the White House advocates for Palestinian governance of Gaza and a two-state solution, Israel's government opposes these initiatives. Israel recently opposed the unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, asserting that such a decision should only be made through negotiations.

Netanyahu has endorsed this stance, highlighting the unity of the Israeli people while emphasizing the righteousness of the policy. Additionally, Israel's announcement of plans to build thousands of homes in settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has drawn criticism from the Biden administration, which deems such actions as inconsistent with international law. Moreover, Biden has urged Netanyahu to refrain from an invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, stressing the necessity of a credible plan to ensure the safety of the Palestinians seeking shelter there.

Netanyahu's Strategy and Future Actions

Netanyahu has affirmed that once the operation in Rafah commences, the intense phase of the fighting will be weeks away from completion. He has also indicated ongoing efforts to evacuate Palestinians from Rafah, emphasizing Israel's commitment to ensuring their safety. The Prime Minister has underscored the need to achieve "total victory," which he deems essential for Israel's future security, the well-being of Gaza, and the broader stability of the Middle East.

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to unfold, Netanyahu's unwavering stance and the growing discord between the U.S. and Israeli visions for the region's future underscore the complexity and volatility of the situation. The diverging viewpoints and strategies of the two allies may well shape the trajectory of the conflict in the days and weeks ahead.