Netanyahu: We have no option but to destroy Hamas, we will overcome differences with the US

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, expressed hope for resolving his country's differences with the United States while emphasizing that there is no option other than the destruction of Hamas in Rafah. In an interview on the 'Dr. Phil' show, a psychologist and television host on CBS, he discussed his disagreement with the Biden administration regarding the necessity of extensive attacks in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. He stated, 'We often agree on issues but have had disagreements. I hope we can overcome our differences, but we will do whatever is necessary to defend our country.' This interview was recorded before Joe Biden's remarks on Wednesday, May 8, in which he stated that he had previously made it clear to Israel that if it goes after Rafah, it would not send weapons used in the attack on Rafah. Netanyahu reiterated his position that Israel 'has no choice' but to destroy the remaining Hamas brigades in Rafah. He added, 'If we do not destroy them, if we leave them alone, they will return. They will come out of the tunnels, retake Gaza, and carry out what they promised, which is the horrific massacre of October 7, again and again.' Benjamin Netanyahu further stated that Israel is 'not only facing the monster of Hamas but the entire axis of Iranian terror.' He noted that 'rational people know that we have no other option.' The Hamas militants affiliated with the Islamic Republic killed at least 1,200 people in the October 7 attack on southern Israel and took around 250 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly. Several countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Israel, have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, a senior Israeli official stated that 'the last round of indirect negotiations in Cairo to stop the fighting ended without results,' and subsequently, Israel targeted eastern Rafah in southern Gaza. Reports indicate that William Burns, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, left Cairo for Washington on Thursday, May 20. According to Reuters, Israel has presented its considerations regarding Hamas's proposal for a hostage release agreement to the mediators. Israel had previously stated that Hamas's proposal does not meet Israel's main demands. According to Reuters, Israel plans to continue its operations in Rafah and other parts of the Gaza Strip. The Cairo ceasefire negotiations did not yield results; Israel targeted eastern Rafah. The US has reiterated its warning to Israel: a large-scale military attack on Rafah would benefit Hamas. American lawmakers reacted to the Biden administration's decision to halt the shipment of certain weapons to Israel. Israel targeted eastern Rafah with airstrikes; tanks are positioned outside the city. The World Health Organization reported that the fuel needed for hospitals in Rafah will run out in three days. Israel announced the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing; the United Nations stated that no aid has yet entered Gaza. The CIA Director met with Netanyahu; efforts to prevent a full-scale Israeli attack on Rafah have intensified.