Joint Meeting of U.S. and Israeli Advisory Group on Rafah; Aim to Destroy Hamas

The U.S. Secretary of State, along with the National Security Advisor of the White House, emphasized the need to "focus on defeating Hamas" in Rafah during a virtual meeting with their Israeli counterparts in a strategic advisory group on Monday. Tzachi Hanegbi, National Security Advisor, and Ron Dermer, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, participated in this video conference alongside Antony Blinken and Jake Sullivan from the U.S., along with experts and senior officials from relevant international organizations, agreeing on a two-hour "constructive engagement" regarding Rafah with the goal of defeating Hamas in the area. The U.S. side expressed concerns about Israeli operations in Rafah and the necessity of preserving civilian lives. The Israeli side agreed to consider these concerns and work on addressing them. Israel emphasizes attacking Rafah for the complete destruction of Hamas, but many foreign officials, including U.S. officials, have expressed worries about the potential for civilian casualties in Israel's ground operations in Rafah. The Kan Israeli television network reported on Saturday, April 11, that in a recent meeting between the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army and the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington's proposed plan to avoid Israeli ground operations in Rafah was discussed, emphasizing measures to prevent widespread casualties in Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday, April 12, before heading to the hospital for "hernia surgery," in a press conference at his office in Jerusalem, that the Israeli army is ready for operations in Rafah but is also considering the evacuation of civilians and the distribution of humanitarian aid. The Israeli army announced the successful completion of a two-week operation at the Shifa Hospital in Rafah. Reports indicate that U.S. and Israeli officials are reviewing plans related to Rafah. Netanyahu, before heading to the hospital, stated that Israel is ready for operations in Rafah and the evacuation of civilians. An Israeli media outlet reported that the U.S. proposed an alternative to the "Israeli ground attack on Rafah." The United States has authorized billions of dollars in new military aid to Israel. The Israeli Defense Minister stated: "We will target Hezbollah in Beirut, Damascus, and any other distant location."