Netanyahu Before Hospital Departure: Israel Ready for Operations in Rafah and Civilian Evacuations

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, on Sunday, before heading to the hospital for 'hernia surgery', stated in a press conference at his office in Jerusalem that the Israeli army is prepared for operations in Rafah, civilian evacuations, and the distribution of humanitarian aid. Israel emphasizes the attack on Rafah to destroy Hamas, but many foreign officials have expressed concern about the potential for civilian casualties in Israel's ground operations in Rafah. Rafah, adjacent to the Egyptian border, houses many of the war's current refugees in Gaza. According to the Times of Israel on Sunday, Netanyahu said that Israel is showing flexibility in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza while Hamas is taking a firmer stance. He stated that Hamas's demands will have security consequences, but he cannot publicly explain them. The Israeli Prime Minister said that if Israel were to yield to a Hamas demand every two days, it would not facilitate reaching an agreement. He added that such an approach would only make it harder to bring hostages back to Israel. Netanyahu remarked that if elections were held now, it would 'paralyze' the country in the midst of war, and Hamas would be the first to celebrate elections in Israel. The Israeli Prime Minister's office announced that Netanyahu's surgery is scheduled for 9 PM local time. The office also stated that his physical issue was discovered during a routine examination and that the Prime Minister would undergo surgery under full anesthesia. According to the Associated Press, Yariv Levin, the Minister of Justice, a trusted confidant of Netanyahu who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, will act as the Prime Minister. Gallant: Detained Hamas forces say the group is collapsing from within. The Israeli Prime Minister is on his way to the hospital; the Minister of Justice will take over Netanyahu's duties.