Netanyahu: International Pressure Should Be on Hamas and the Iranian Government, Not Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, criticized those in the international community who are working to 'stop the war before its objectives are achieved' during the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, March 17. The Israeli Prime Minister stated that those calling for a ceasefire want to achieve this goal by making false accusations against the Israeli army, the Israeli government, and himself, and they want elections to be held in the middle of the war. Addressing 'Israel's friends in the international community,' Netanyahu rhetorically asked, 'Is your memory so short? Have you forgotten so soon October 7 (October 15), which was the most horrific massacre of Jews since the Holocaust? Are you so quickly ready to deprive Israel of its right to defend itself against the monsters of Hamas? Have you lost your moral conscience so quickly?' He emphasized that international pressure should be directed at Hamas and the Iranian government, not Israel. Netanyahu asserted, 'No amount of international pressure will prevent us from achieving all the goals of the war: destroying Hamas, freeing all our hostages, and ensuring that Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel.' He stated, 'We must not succumb to this pressure, and we will not.' Netanyahu promised that the Israeli army's operations in Rafah would be conducted 'carefully.' He mentioned, 'It will take a few weeks, and it will happen.' The Israeli Prime Minister added, 'Those who say the Rafah operation should not take place are the same ones who said we should not enter Gaza, not conduct operations in Shifa (hospital), not operate in Khan Younis, and not resume the war after the November ceasefire (a one-week ceasefire in Azar).' Netanyahu's office announced on Friday, March 25, that he had approved military operations to attack Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, where approximately 1.4 million Palestinian refugees have taken shelter. The United States and other countries have warned that such operations could be catastrophic, but Israel claims that the operation will aim to destroy Hamas brigades stationed in the city. Following the Hamas attack, supported by the Islamic Republic, on southern Israel on October 15, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of 250 others, many Palestinians fled to Rafah. Netanyahu's office emphasized that the Rafah operation would include the evacuation of civilians, but did not provide details or a timeline for it. The Israeli army stated on March 23 that it intends to transfer civilians to safe areas in central Gaza, which it referred to as 'humanitarian areas.' U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Friday, 'We need to see a clear and actionable plan' to ensure the protection of innocent people in Rafah against Israeli attacks. Chuck Schumer's endorsement of a two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian issue; report by Saman Pazhoohan. John Kirby: Negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by us, continue to be hopeful. Netanyahu: The Israeli army will enter Rafah. Hamas confirmed the death of Marwan Issa, deputy commander of its military wing, 'behind closed doors.' Blog: Israel warns the people of Lebanon: We will confront the continued escalation of tensions by Hezbollah with full force. Egypt: Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to resume. Israeli Defense Minister: Governance of Gaza by groups affiliated with the Palestinian Authority is the least desirable option. Israel attributed attacks on Palestinian civilians in line to receive aid to 'armed Palestinian men.'